Feasibility Study - Essay Example

Area 8 is the Stourton Corridor and Area 9 is the Stourton North as shown on the Aire Valley map (Leeds Council, 2007). These two areas are suitable for different development projects as going to be outlined in detail below. The map below shows Area 8 which is Stourton Corridor. Source: Leeds City Council 2007 As shown in the map above, area 8.1 and 8.2 can be utilised for various developmental purposes that are earmarked to create employment in the Aire Valley. Businesses such as restaurants, retail shops and pubs can be created in this area. Site 8.3 can be used for residential suburb while 8.5 is an ideal corner for an upmarket restaurant. The area next to area 8.5 can be developed into a recreation park. Areas 8.6 to 8.9 can be used for retail businesses. All developments in these areas that have something to do with construction of new buildings share a lot of things in common with regards to the nature of civil engineering issues that will be involved in the developmental process. Therefore, civil engineering issues likely to be involved in the development of this place include the following. The other issue involved is to carry out a quantity survey in order to establish if the area is feasible for constructing buildings. This will also determine the nature of the buildings to be constructed in the area. The civil engineers need to design buildings that are suitable for the area. These buildings ought to be designed in such a way that they will also improve the appearance of the area. There is need for the civil engineers to make sure that new buildings do not disturb already existing structures. Care has to be taken to ensure that construction at new sites do not cause cracks to buildings already existing. The other civil engineering issue related to construction of buildings is related to excavating the ground and carrying out the actual construction process. Business centers need to be accessible to both pedestrians and motorists hence the other engineering issue involved is to construct both pedestrian tracks as well as roads that can be used by the motorists. The engineers ought to bear in mind that the road network is convenient and it does not lead to congestion in the area. The engineers should also make sure that the roads going to be developed link the business areas with the greater part of the Leeds Metropolitan area. This will allow smooth movement of goods as well as people intending to conduct their business in these areas. Road networks in any built environment need to be carefully designed so as to make sure that they link with the other existing infrastructure. New developments in an already developed area need to conform with the expected standards hence the need for civil engineers to carry feasibility studies to make sure that the new structures will not look awkward. Another important civil engineering issue that should be considered when developing these areas is related to sewer and water reticulation systems. Water supply pipes and drainage systems to empty waste as well as sewer systems should be put in place in this new place. There is no business that can survive without water hence these systems ought to be put in place as the construction work for these sites kicks off. The other important aspect that should be taken into consideration by the civil engineers is related to landscaping. Each site ought to be designed in such a way that the landscape looks attractive to the people who may be interested in visiting the place. Landscaping can involve aspects such as paving the area, designing areas for growing lawn and trees as well as levelling the place so that it can be easily accessed by both pedestrians and motorists visiting the business center. Area 8.5 as shown on the map above should be developed into a recreational park in order to promote green environment. In this case, the major issue is related to environmental engineering. The engineers ought to make sure that they create sufficient place to grow trees and other plants that can make the park look attractive. They may also need to design and construct new ponds in this park since these are very important in as far as the aspect of appearance of the park is concerned. Canals can also be constructed in the park. The other issue is that sidewalks as well as pavements should be created in the park so that people would not walk on the lawn. Area 9 is Stourton North and it is a greenfield site covering 20 hectares. The major developments that can be carried out in this area are related to improving or uplifting the image of the park so that it looks attractive. In terms of improving the park, environmental engineering is essential where more trees and vegetation are needed to improve the appearance of the place. As shown in the aerial photograph of the place below, it can be seen that the place needs to be uplifted in order for it to appear attractive to travellers on the M621 as well as those living in the neighbourhood. The civil engineers need to redesign this place through improving pedestrial and cycle access to the park. They may also need to create a link between the park and the highway which links the Leeds Metropolitan area. The other issue is related to the development of ponds in the park as well as sitting areas that can be used by people who just need to relax enjoying a fresh environment in the park. Stourton North Aerial: Courtesy of Leeds City Council The other new structure that can be erected in this area is an office block. Like any other construction project, civil engineers have a great role to play in designing and constructing the structure. These park offices ought to be constructed in such an attractive way so that they also contribute towards the improvement of the appearance of the place. The engineers should also design the road network that can be used by motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to access the park. The water supply and drainage systems also need to be put in place and this is the role of the civil engineers to make sure that they do a proper job. One important aspect about civil engineering is that they should make sure that the area where a recreation park will be constructed is not prone to flooding problems. If so, they ought to landscape the area in such a way that is meant to address problems related to water logging. They should also design good drainage tunnels that can enable water to flow freely from water logged areas. Landscaping is another important issue that is related to civil engineering that should be carried out when developing this area. The Leeds City Council (2007) posits to the effect that “Landscape is a key element of the overall design strategy.” It can be seen that a structured approach to landscape design is required where it is essential to make the most out of the existing natural environment. This helps to uplift the image of the area so that it can look attractive to many people. References Leeds City Council, 2007, Development Plan Document: Sustainability Appraisal Report, LDF Consultation, Aire Valley Leeds AAP. Leeds City Council, 2007,Development Plan Document: Report of Public Consultation on Issues and Alternative Options. Aire Valley Leeds AAP. Leeds City Council, 2007, Development Plan Document Preferred Options Summary. Aire Valley Leeds AAP. Leeds City Council, 2007, Leeds Local development framework. Aire Valley Leeds, Area Action Plan Aire Valley Leeds Area Action Plan Aire Valley Leeds Area Action Plan Read More