Manchester reaps ‘human investment’ benefits from the construction of the new Co-operative HQ

Orders placed with businesses within the area are approaching £8 million while materials sourced locally have exceeded £9 million – amassing over £17 million in local economic benefits as the scheme progresses towards completion next autumn. The project – designed by architects 3D Reid – has passed just 70 weeks into its programme.

Just a few of the many local firms that Salford-based contractor BAM has placed orders with include Adana in Stockport for groundworks; Chartrange in Manchester for fill materials; brickwork by McCrory’s of Cheadle, and PC Harrington in Warrington is working on the concrete frame. In total, BAM has given work to over 100 firms within the Greater Manchester area.

More than 50 per cent of the work force also comes from the Greater Manchester area. Total man hours worked on the massive 46,000 square-meter scheme have exceeded one million in the week before Christmas.

There are more than 30 apprenticeships on the £100 million plus development, which recently lifted into place four huge steel beams that will form the atrium of the structure, and Tony Grindrod, BAM’s construction manager, says: ‘Being an ethical trader, our client is determined that the building is exemplary in both its local benefits and its environmental excellence. BAM has set out to deliver a programme of human investment here at the Co-operative HQ that goes even further than they’ve asked, and we’re thrilled that it’s showing some real benefits for the people who live and work here. We have really put our hearts into it and the effort and adaptability across our suppliers and team has been enormous.’

Upon completion, the scheme seeks to achieve one of the highest BREEAM environmental ratings ever recorded marking it out as the most ambitious environmental project in the UK.

Further information: Mark Slattery, press and media manager, BAM Construct UK Ltd, 01442 238415.