Property news: Conlon Construction; Seddon; PJ Livesey; Forrest & more

TWO projects built by Preston-based Conlon Construction have been recognised at this year’s Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) National Site Awards.

Rewarding high quality performance and commitment to the local community, the scheme recognises contractors that go the extra mile during construction.

Conlon received bronze awards for its work to restore both Grade I-listed Gawthorpe Hall in Burnley and Avro Heritage Museum in Stockport – a scheme designed by fellow Preston firm, Cassidy + Ashton.

Founded in 1997, the CCS is a voluntary programme which rewards the UK’s most considerate sites for the contribution they have made towards improving the image of construction.

Michael Conlon, chairman at Conlon Construction, said: “The Considerate Constructors Scheme monitors and evaluates ethical standards and performance throughout the duration of a build programme, with site teams receiving spot-checks at various stages of construction.

“It ensures we remain sensitive to the environment, communities and neighbourhoods in which we work and a voluntary code of practice we embrace on every project, regardless of size.

“We’re really thrilled to have received these awards and that our commitment to quality has been recognised in this way.”

The ceremony was held recently at Manchester’s Lowry Hotel.
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BOLTON-based contractor Seddon has won its first major contract since re-opening its Welsh office in Mold in Flintshire.

The firm, which also has offices in Birmingham and Stoke, has been appointed by property investor NewRiver Retail to regenerate a former pub in Bodelwyddan, Rhyl, into a new Co-operative Food store.

The contract will see Seddon construct the new store, as well as providing hard and soft landscaping to the site.

Nikki Waud, business development manager at Seddon, oversees the company’s presence in the region. Nikki said: “We are thrilled to have won our first contract so soon after re-opening our base in Flintshire.

“Seddon has a long history of working in Wales, and our new base on Mold Business Park demonstrates a commitment to delivering work for clients based in the region.

“Wales represents a key market for Seddon and we are already looking to talk to suppliers and subcontractors, seeking out land opportunities and bringing our training ethos to the area.”

Work on the scheme is expected to commence in May 2016, subject to discharge of planning conditions.
 
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IMPROVED playing fields and a local convenience store will be delivered as part of a scheme to bring new housing to a brownfield site in Lancaster.

The PJ Livesey Group will also carry out works to turn a disused cricket pitch on the adjoining Moor hospital site into usable recreational space and a wildflower meadow.

The redevelopment of the former NHS site, on Quernmore Road and close to the company’s award winning conversion of the landmark Lancaster Moor hospital, will bring 62 new homes individually designed to fit in with the character of the site and the location.

The project includes a medium sized convenience store to serve the local community, a key request in extensive consultation.

A spokesperson for the family owned company said: “The store was very much welcomed during our consultation and there has been strong interest from suitable parties.  We hope to announce the occupier soon.

“As part of our commitment to maintaining open, usable space in the local area we will contribute a significant sum to the local authority to carry out work on the Far Moor playing fields that sit behind the main hospital building.

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BOLTON contractor Forrest has picked up gold awards for two of its regeneration projects in Greater Manchester in an annual ranking of the best managed and most community aware building sites in the country.

The contractor was acknowledged at the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) National Site Awards 2016 for the high standard of its work delivered across sites for North West-based social housing provider and ForViva group member, City West Housing Trust.

Projects included a £2.3m external and internal refurbishment of communal low-rise flats in Eccles town centre taking in the installation of new roofs, entry doors and wall insulation.

The site achieved high praise from CCS for its culture of championing workforce cooperation, encouraging high morale among employees and the emphasis placed on equality and diversity through training and site inductions.

The company’s £6.7m Southway project for City West, which transformed a 50-year-old 12-storey high-rise block, also received a gold award in recognition of energy efficiency works and a full internal refurbishment to the properties, including kitchen and bathroom refits.

As part of City West Housing Trust’s wider investment programme to improve its housing stock across Salford, the Southway project was commended by CCS for actively engaging with the community. This included the popular residents’ hub which was enthusiastically used by current residents, as well as those from completed local schemes nearby.

Notable too was the dedication in providing opportunities for apprentices, trainees and work experience, and a company-wide culture of encouraging workforce resulting in a high morale on site.

Kev Riding, director of frameworks at Forrest, said: “These awards are a long-standing accolade which many in the industry strive to achieve. To be recognised is a great achievement and down to the ongoing efforts we put into ensuring we have a lasting, positive impact on the communities in which we work.”

Established in 1997, CCS was set up to recognise construction sites’ exceptional performance towards local neighbourhoods, the workforce and the environment. From thousands of entries, more than 900 site have been selected to win Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards this year for projects completed in 2015.

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FPE Global has been awarded the contract by Preston City Council to restore the larger 1875 Market canopy.
 
Restoration will take about six months and will be completed in three phases to ensure continuity of business for the outdoor and car boot and flea market traders.
 
Works will include refurbishment and painting of cast iron columns and roof structure along with other required repairs to the same standard as have recently been taking place on the fish market canopy.