St Botolph's Circus Regeneration update 12/8/26

Works on St Botolphs's are underway and progressing well, following the appointment of Jackson Engineering as the main contractor.

Works completed so far:

• Trial holes are being dug to confirm cables identified by surveys. 2/3 of these were dug using a high air pressure digger and the rest by hand using a soil pick, a gentle spade that preserves non-porous objects. 
• Began early preparations on the island by Magdalen Street to allow for the installation of a temporary pedestrian crossing. 
• Began deeper digging around all three islands to prepare for new road surfaces that will be used for future traffic management around islands. 
• We’ve been looking after our team in the extreme heat with adjusted hours, plenty of rehydration and the odd ice lolly! 
• We ran a collaborative careers session with young people at the Youth Advisory Service. 

Upcoming works:

• Soil from digging will be tested to see if it is viable for re-use as a backfill on-site. 
• Works on the three islands continues in preparation for the new road layout. 
• Creating trial holes as part of continued surveying for cables and other unknowns below the surface. 
• We have been monitoring traffic flow and will be adding white line markings on the roundabout towards Magdalen Street and adjusting signage on Southway to mitigate unnecessary queuing on Southway and ensure lane adherence as cars begin to enter Magdalen Street.
• We will keep two lanes open during peak times when traffic is busiest. We will reduce down to one lane at off-peak times when traffic is quieter. This will help us get materials into work area.
• Got a question about the project? Jackson Engineering will have a stand in Culver Square on the 20th August between 11am-2pm