Accessibility Tools

TfGM Through Story Contracting

Vextrix improves accessibility at Daisy Hill and Irlam stations, through inclusive design

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Building on our initial work with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) on the Accessibility & Inclusivity for All Programme (AIfA), Vextrix is proud to continue our commitment to improving accessibility at Daisy Hill and Irlam stations. Acting as the Contractor’s Responsible Engineer for Design duties and providing Principal Designer support.

Building upon the foundations laid in earlier stages, our team has brought to life practical engineering solutions that align with TfGM’s broader accessibility goals. At Daisy Hill station, we have managed the design and provided Approved for Construction (AFC) drawings of a new steel-framed lift shaft, complete with a walkway link bridge connecting the new lift to the existing station building. These additions ensure accessible entry and improved mobility for passengers across different parts of the station. Additionally, a brand-new ticket hall and office layout were designed for an improved staff and passenger experience.

Meanwhile, at Irlam station, we successfully delivered the lead design for a concrete frame, which will provide safe access to the existing underpass. This will facilitate a direct and accessible route for passengers between platforms. Both lift shafts, complemented by our structural engineering expertise, represent crucial steps toward enhancing the station experience for people of all abilities.

Collaboration and Design Management

Collaboration has remained at the heart of our approach: Vextrix has chaired regular design team meetings, providing leadership and facilitating clear communication between all stakeholders, including the Civils Design, Architect, Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) engineers, and Telecoms engineers. By actively leading these meetings, we ensured that each discipline effectively contributed to the evolving designs whilst aligning with overall project goals.

Our role has also extended into leading all elements of the Interdisciplinary Coordination (IDC) meetings, allowing us to address design concerns in real-time and ensure proper coordination across all design disciplines. We managed the review of Form B submissions post-IDC and AFC drawings, ensuring alignment with safety and technical standards. Following the Form B/DRN comment stage, we issued the AFC pack and continued to provide ongoing support by responding to site queries throughout the project. Additionally, we delivered the pricing and execution of the temporary works design, essential for safe construction and minimal disruption to station operations.

Delivering Principal Design Support Services

Vextrix has been actively involved from GRIP stage 1, covering the early project feasibility phase, and is currently progressing through GRIP stage 6, which involves the detailed design and construction. Our responsibilities have included producing the Pre-Construction Information (PCI) pack, as well as reviewing and approving both the Work Package Plans (WPP) and Construction Phase Plans (CPP). Alongside adherence to Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 throughout, these actions were critical in maintaining high safety standards, as well as ensuring all construction activities aligned with Network Rail’s guidelines.

As the project advances, Daisy Hill station’s new lift shaft and ticket office are now in place and will be opened to the public soon, signalling a significant achievement in improving access for all passengers, including passengers with disabilities, parents with strollers, and older passengers who require additional access support.

Looking Ahead

These additions at Daisy Hill and Irlam will not only make the stations more inclusive but also contribute to TfGM’s overarching goals of creating an equitable public transport network across Greater Manchester. By managing all design elements in-house, Vextrix ensured efficient processes that delivered both value for passengers and value for money for the client team. From Structural Design to Health and Safety compliance, every detail was carefully coordinated to optimise resources whilst creating accessible infrastructure that enhances the passenger experience and meets the needs of all.

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David Murray

Director