Civil engineering and construction firm McPhillips has delivered major improvements across a town centre in Stoke – with another phase set for completion next year as part of a £1m project.
The award-winning company was appointed to deliver the scheme in Longton through the Stoke-on-Trent regeneration framework.
McPhillips is nearing completion on two sections of the works in the Strand Passage and Baths Passage – part of a wider £6.5m public realm plan backed by a £29m award from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund.
Work has been ongoing to put new natural stone paving in place, as well as new railings, seating and tree planting to improve the link at Strands Passage between the Tesco retail park and the town centre.
McPhillips director Stuart McKenzie said: “This package of works in Longton town centre is a £1m investment by the local authority to improve traffic management, pedestrian access and a provide a brand-new gateway to the town centre.
“Our teams on site are experienced at delivering public realm projects in busy centres, working in partnership with the local community and retailers to limit any impact and we’re really proud to be a part of this one.
“We’re already seeing much of the work come together in the Baths Passage and Strand Passage areas, with the work at Times Square set to complete in March 2027.”
McPhillips has installed new railings, paving and lighting at Baths Passage, to improve the connection between the centre and the bus station.
Other improvements will include the introduction of level crossings for pedestrian access, and a revised traffic layout to improve circulation and ease congestion.
The ongoing work at Times Square will see a new revised traffic layout put in place, with red routes implemented to improve traffic circulation and reduce congestion in the area.
A new civic space will also be created in front of the town hall, with an opportunity for public art in the centre of the space to act as a focal point.
Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker Cabinet Member for Growth, Regeneration and Transport at Stoke City Council, said: “It’s really brilliant to see this project beginning to take shape and the plans come to life.
“The new, high-quality paved walkways with railings, seating and better lighting have really given the area a fresh, modern look. As work nears completion, the improvements to both the pedestrian links and public realm between The Strand and the Tesco supermarket and Longton bus station are remarkable.
“When the work is complete – including the transformation currently taking place around Times Square – I am confident the area will be a bustling, welcoming heart-of-town for locals, visitors and local businesses. We will continue to work with businesses and other partners in Longton to keep improving the town together.”