Costain has worked with National Highways to transform a former opencast mine near Wigan into a large green space, known as the Sandyforth Green Gateway.

A range of ecological work has been carried out to ‘rewild’ the 34-hectare site to increase biodiversity, including providing grassland seed for more than 24 hectares, creating seven ponds and wetland areas, and establishing a network of new footpaths to make the site open and accessible to visitors.

The Sandyforth Green Gateway is part of the environmental legacy from the recent upgrade of the M6 between junctions 21a and 26, where an extra lane was added on the 10-mile stretch in both directions, increasing mobility and supporting economic growth across the North-west of England.

Costain, as part of the SMP Alliance, was the on-site partner for the £260m upgrade.

 Tom Kenyon, project director at Costain, said: “Throughout the delivery of this vital M6 upgrade we’ve ensured the scheme improves the lives of local communities not only through better journeys and social mobility, but through a positive environmental legacy as well.

 “Together with National Highways and our supply chain partners, we’ve applied our engineering and ecological expertise at Sandyforth to increase biodiversity and rejuvenate the natural environment across an enormous area, contributing to a sustainable, decarbonised future for the region for decades to come.” 

A multi-million pound agreement between National Highways and Wigan Council will ensure the maintenance of the site for up to 30 years. This site will attract visitors and provide a visual improvement to a section of the M6 that sees around eight million vehicles passing through every year.

 Stephen Elderkin, environmental sustainability division lead at National Highways, said: “We’re committed to significantly improving biodiversity near our road network, and projects such as this are important in putting the strategic road network at the heart of nature’s recovery. 

 “At National Highways, our work goes beyond operating, maintaining and improving roads; we’re investing in the environment and communities surrounding our network, helping to unlock the creation and enhancement of habitats, and this is an example of the difference we can make with designated funding.”

Throughout the M6 upgrade, which began in 2021, Costain has worked to ensure the scheme provides social and environmental legacy, including a self-sufficient water system for a community and educational garden in Eccles, near Salford. A country park, sports clubs, college students, a hospice and charities helping youngsters and the homeless are among the other groups and organisations who have benefitted from social value initiatives.