School children help towards ‘Exceptional’ ratings for Beorma project
Birmingham, 24 February 2015 - Site hoardings designed by local school children to celebrate Birmingham’s history have helped the building firm behind the Beorma development win national recognition for the project. BAM Construct was rated as ‘exceptional’ in three of five categories measured by national industry image body the Considerate Constructors Scheme. The contractor was described as ‘excellent’ in the other two categories for the way it is running the mixed-use Birmingham project.
CCS monitor Phil Power was particularly impressed with the artwork made by local four to 11 year olds for the outside of the city centre construction site. ‘Hoardings have been used as a backdrop for expressionist paintings from nearby Nelson Primary School’, said Power. ‘Their task was to express in art form what Birmingham means to them individually. The cross section of exhibits is extraordinary, but through a child’s eyes, self-explanatory and meaningful.’
BAM education co-ordinator Phil Eves said the collaboration with Nelson Primary School was just one way the contractor was looking to integrate with the community. ‘When this development is finished it will make quite an impact on the Birmingham skyline’, he said. ‘We want local people to feel part of it, and to take pride in it. The pupils came up with different paintings to express their pride in the city – from the word Beorma made up of different national flags, to images of HP Sauce and Bird’s Custard.’
BAM has also worked with the Prince’s Trust, which is based in a police station opposite the construction site, as well as offering support to a project at Bishop Latimer Church Hall, and holding a fundraising event for Macmillan Cancer Support.
It scored 9 out of 10 for community, appearance and safety at Beorma, and 8 out of 10 for environment and workforce.
BAM is building a 110-room Adagio Hotel under the first phase of a broader scheme for Kuwaiti real estate developer Salhia. It is also converting the Digbeth Cold Store into offices and an innovation centre. Further phases of works include a 27-storey office tower and other commercial space. The first phase is due for completion this summer. Glazing panels and façade brickwork have been installed, along with interior finishes including kitchens and bathrooms.
BAM, which has offices in Solihull, recently completed a major overhaul of the National Indoor Arena.