Between July 2007 and May 2009 we are spending £8 million upgrading the water network in Manchester city centre. The old Victorian cast iron water pipes are being replaced with new plastic ones to give the city a water network fit for the 21st century. Once the work is complete customers living and working in Manchester will benefit from even better water quality, fewer leaks and improved water pressure.
This is one of the largest network improvement projects we have ever undertaken and has taken years to prepare and plan. Co-ordinating work in the busy city centre has also provided its own unique challenges in terms of construction planning, liaising with third parties and managing street works.
Our project team has worked hard to deliver a world class approach in all aspects of the scheme by keeping disruption to customers to a minimum, using the latest techniques and by working closely with the city council.
A city-wide publicity campaign has played a large part in helping this project run smoothly. Commuters travelling into Manchester have been targeted through local radio advertising and flyers with details of diversion routes. We are also using bus backs, bus shelters and our own site barriers to keep people informed of where and when the work is happening. The project also has its own dedicated customer liaison officer to ensure customers are getting the best service possible at all times.
For more information on the project visit www.unitedutilities.com/manchester.