BAM confirmed as contractor for Somerstown Hub in Portsmouth
Hemel Hempstead, 13 December 2012 - BAM Construction is to construct an iconic building, to include community, youth and health facilities, in the Somerstown area of Portsmouth. The contractor has started work on the landmark tubular structure, which spans a main road, for Portsmouth City Council. This first phase of the regeneration scheme is due for completion in March 2014.
The community centre boasts a number of function rooms, a sports hall and a curved fully glazed double height community lounge at its centre. The local housing office is arranged in double height open plan format with a mezzanine floor gallery. Existing mature trees were retained to create external piazza spaces at either end of the building.
Extensive liaison has been carried out with community groups, building occupiers and local neighbours. Another BAM business, BAM Design, is the architect and service engineer for the project, which is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating.
BAM Construction director Bob Sanders said: ‘We are very pleased to be bringing these innovative designs to life as a state-of-the-art facility for the local community. We look forward to using our capabilities to deliver this challenging project in a way that minimises disruption for neighbours.’
Kevin Hudson, project manager for Portsmouth City Council, said: ‘We are delighted to be working with BAM on this project. These community facilities, at the heart of Portsmouth, will make a real difference to the lives of local people. It was important to residents that the design should be iconic and that the facilities that the community needs should be brought together into a building that made the best possible use of space, which is at a premium in Somerstown.’
Further information: Mark Slattery, Press and Media Manager, BAM Construct UK Ltd, 01442 238415.