BAM Construction selected as contractor for Shirley town centre
(Press release Shirley Advance LLP:) 1 April 2009 - Shirley Advance has appointed BAM Construction to build the Shirley Town Centre scheme, now known as 'Parkgate'. The appointment has been approved by Solihull Council, as progress towards the delivery of the scheme continues despite the current economic climate. The appointment follows a detailed series of tenders and interviews over the past three years.
BAM Construction (previously HBG Construction) has its regional headquarters in Balsall Common. The Parkgate scheme will cost approximately £40 million to build and will involve 300-500 construction jobs over the two-year build programme. BAM Construction will engage in initiatives to ensure local training and employment opportunities and are particularly keen to engage with smaller local sub-contractors who can contribute to the delivery of the scheme.
A Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) was approved by Hazel Blears, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, in December 2008 together with Road Closure and Footpath Diversion Orders required to implement the development. This decision followed a Public Inquiry which took place last May, at which the credentials of the Parkgate scheme were clearly presented by Shirley Advance/Solihull Council.
Robert Birch of Shirley Advance said: 'I am delighted that we have finally reached this important stage in the overall project. We have experienced several delays in our overall programme for development so far, mostly due to the need for the CPO. The appointment of BAM Construction is a significant step forward and further demonstrates our ongoing commitment towards the delivery of this important project for Shirley. We will continue to work hard to ensure that this significant regeneration scheme is delivered for Shirley.'
John Mensforth, BAM's Construction Director, said: 'We are especially pleased to be involved with such an important local project. BAM recently completed the new Solihull Schools projects and will now be working with Shirley Advance to complete the detailed design work and proposals towards the anticipated start on site next year. Parkgate is a fantastic scheme that will require a lot of careful coordination, especially with the road improvement works, and we intend to liaise closely with local people and businesses to ensure minimal disruption.'
Shirley Advance, Solihull Council and BAM Construction intend to start on site in 2010.