BAM Construct UK to build the Bluewater Events Venue

Directly accessed off Thames Walk through the existing Water Circus, the Bluewater Events Venue, designed by internationally renowned architects and exhibition experts Denton, Corker Marshall, will be centred around a 32,000 sq ft (3,000 m2) plaza, and will include 43,000 sq ft (4,000 m2) of catering/restaurants space, which will be reconfigured to enhance the casual dining and public areas, and includes a number of new units.

BAM Construct UK, which was selected following a tender process, has constructed a number of significant landmark buildings around the UK, including the Zaha Hadid-designed Riverside Museum in Glasgow, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and the Rolan Levinsky Building at the University of Plymouth.

BAM Construct UK also has strong experience in the North West Kent region, which includes the building of new campuses in Dartford and Gravesend for North West Kent College, and schools and health facilities in numerous locations across the county.

Richard Cable, head of Lend Lease's development business in the UK, said: 'The Bluewater Events Venue is a significant development for Bluewater and we are delighted to be working with BAM not just because of their track record, and ability to deliver against our brief, but because they consider safety a first priority and understand the importance of working as a partner with the community which is fundamental to Lend Lease's philosophy.'

Nigel Comben, Regional Director, BAM South East, said: 'The Bluewater Events Venue is a particularly exciting new building, and we are delighted that BAM is the company delivering this fantastic project. Bluewater represents an excellent opportunity to showcase the quality of our work. But we believe it is not just about what we build, it is also how we build that matters, particularly with regards to health and safety and working with the community.'

'We are looking forward to building our partnership with Lend Lease to ensure we bring lasting benefits for the local community. The events venue is a significant development for Bluewater and we are delighted to be part of this exciting initiative.'

Once complete, the Bluewater Events Venue will be the UK's focal point for retail and leisure led events, shows and exhibitions. It will complement Bluewater's retail offer whilst meeting the continued demand for specialist consumer events in a purpose-built environment.

About BAM Construct UK

BAM is one of, if not the most, successful UK contractor in health and safety with a track record of continuous improvement; it is a leader in considerate construction management with the highest scoring project in the UK during 2009 and scores well in excess of the industry average.

BAM is again among the UK's leading companies for its ambitious waste and recycling programme and its environmental work, it is one of few contractors to sign the UK's carbon reduction commitment, known as 10:10. It was recently voted joint second best contractor for architects to work with by readers of Building Design Magazine. BAM has long had the reputation of retaining its staff (it employs just under 3,000 people) and is in the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work for.

Its parent, Royal BAM Group is one of the largest construction and property enterprises in Europe. A current flagship project is the stadium to host the 2010 Football World Cup Final.

About the Bluewater Events Venue

The 5,200 m2 Events Venue at Bluewater is an exciting and innovative purpose-built development. The Bluewater Events Venue is complemented by a 3,000 m2 central plaza, 12 restaurants totalling 4,000 m2, including five new units, and the existing 12-screen cinema.

Directly accessed off Thames Walk through the existing Water Circus, the development also includes the reconfiguration of existing areas to enhance the casual dining and public space.

It is being developed and managed by Lend Lease, the UK's only truly integrated property company, on behalf of Bluewater's owners.

Conceived as a significant enhancement to the brand, the highly flexible events space reaffirms Bluewater's position as the industry's frame of reference and is the next stage in its evolution.

It is a unique addition to Europe's leading retail and leisure destination and will provide new and existing guests with additional reasons to visit by extending the Bluewater 'day-out' experience.

As a focal point for leisure and entertainment in the UK, it also creates exciting new opportunities for brands to interact with Bluewater's 28 million annual visitors in a dynamic and interactive environment.