Work to re-start on major mixed-use scheme
Work is set to re-start on the Beeston Square development, following work by contractor Bowmer + Kirkland (B+K) to put in place additional measures to protect employees and maintain social distancing.
The build on the the mixed-use development, forms part of the regeneration of the area and will include an eight-screen cinema, 132 new homes and a range of food and drink outlets, will start again next week.
Bowmer + Kirkland contracts manager, Mike Atkinson, said: “We have been and continue to assess all our construction sites on an individual basis, to ascertain that conditions are suitable and safe for our staff and sub-contractors to continue working. Our Health and Safety department has been working hard to ensure measures are in place with strict adherence to government, Public Health England (PHE) and Construction Leadership Council (CLC) guidelines. After a thorough evaluation process and, ensuring we stick to the strong guidelines we have in place, most of our construction sites are open and working. At all times the safety of our staff and those working for us is paramount. We are ensuring that all PHE and CLC guidelines are followed.”
Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Steve Carr said: “The Government is encouraging all construction activity to continue wherever possible without compromising social distancing and we’ve been working with Bowmer + Kirkland to assess what measures can be introduced to enable work on this exciting development to continue. The construction programme will be regularly reviewed as we reach each new stage to ensure that the safety of site workers is maintained.
Councillor Greg Marshall from the Council’s project board added: “This is a very important project for Beeston and the local community here so we are pleased that work can now continue. That said, our primary concern remains the safety and wellbeing of Bowmer + Kirkland’s site workers and our members of staff. Work on site will be undertaken in a strictly controlled manner with everyone’s safety in mind and following recommended safe working practices. We’re in regular contact with Bowmer + Kirkland and will continue to review the situation as new Government guidance is issued.
Brian Gilligan of The Arc Cinema said: “We’re delighted to hear that building work can continue with all of the appropriate safety measures in place to protect everyone. The Arc Cinema team is working hard (from home) on our exciting plans for Beeston. We all need something to look forward to in these difficult times, and we’re very much looking forward to the happy day when we can welcome customers to The Arc Cinema.”
