Key dates

An archaeological contractor was on site to undertake further required archaeological investigations prior to commencement of the construction groundworks programme.

Groundworks are the assessment, preparation, and stabilising of ground ready for construction.

Localised earth works in Area 2 to provide the jack box construction platform – ground preparation.

A jack box is a cement tunnel structure that will be placed under the railway tracks to minimise disruption.

Late 2023 until March 2024

Tree and scrub removal, tree pollarding across the Area 1 & 2 for the SRFI Development Area.

Pollarding is the pruning of trees and shrubs ensuring no long-term damage.

Late 2023 until March 2024

• Establishment of the Main Construction compound at the site entrance off the A414.
• Installing portacabins to provide meeting rooms, welfare facilities and canteen.
• Providing signage on the highway approach. Installing car parking for employees.

2024

January (until end of June 2024)

Country Park Landscaping works Area 5 and Area 6 North.

• Works include tree planting, grass cutting, landscaping, PROW creation, and fencing. Locations west of Frogmore / Park Street and east of the Abbey Branch Line.

PROW or Public Rights of Way are routes of land which the public can access at any time, for example, footpaths and bridleways.

From January 2024

Ecology works across the site in readiness for the main earthworks contract

• Works include translocation of Great Crested Newts (GCNs).

March 2024

Localised works in Area 2.

• Re-construction operations to build the jack box construction platform and the jack box.
• This will involve bringing plant onto site and, thereafter, periodic deliveries of materials including stone and concrete.
• Larger items of plant (tracked vehicles, wheeled vehicles, and specialised machines such as cranes or forklifts) will access from Shenley Lane.
• Jack box installation December 2024 / January 2025.

March until August 2024

Work to Hedges Farm.

• Demolition of existing barns March 2024 / April 2024.
• Construction and erection of replacement barns.

March until August 2024

British Pipeline Agency (BPA) works.

• Oil pipeline diversion to the south of Hedges Farm close to the bridleway running east to west.

July (until December 2027)

Start of main earthworks in area 1, 2 and 3.
The new road construction (March 2025)
Off site highways works awaiting technical approval (2025 estimate)