Potteries development providing boost for local contractors

THE expansion of intu Potteries to create a new leisure and restaurant development has brought with it a boost to the Staffordshire economy with local contracts so far totalling £2.5m in the region.

Of the supply chain work packages so far awarded, £1.4m has been to Stoke-on-Trent based firms including 4-Tec Steel Fabrications, which has joined main contractor Wates to deliver the structural steelwork and balustrade and stair installations.

The announcement comes as the building work progresses apace on the site adjacent to intu Potteries. Once complete, the new development will include a nine-screen Cineworld cinema, Nando’s, Pizza Express, Chiquito, Frankie & Benny’s and Gourmet Burger Kitchen.     
                                                   
Wates is currently carrying out the building’s brickwork having completed the steel frame in September, which comprises 2,735 beams, 12,800 bolts and 48 miles of linear steel.

Building work is due to reach completion next year.

Richard Scarrott, business unit director, Wates Construction Midlands, said: “From the outset, Wates and intu were collectively keen to ensure that the region’s sub-contracting companies benefit from the development work, which would in-turn bring a boost to local employment and training. It is great to see this commitment come to fruition as construction at intu Potteries gathers pace.”