Contractor appointed to deliver £5m banqueting expansion at South Yorkshire stadium

Harris CM, the construction services company, has secured a contract to build a £5m banqueting suite at the Owlerton Greyhound Stadium in Sheffield.

The Pontefract-based company will start work on the 500-capacity conference and banqueting suite in November, with completion set for summer 2019.

The contract comprises the design and build of a new two-storey, steel-framed structure, to accommodate the conference and banqueting suite, which will also include new corporate boxes.

Situated just five minutes from Sheffield city centre, Owlerton hosts a wide range of entertainment and sporting events in addition to Greyhound Racing.

The stadium, which can accommodate up to 4,000 spectators, is also home to the Sheffield Tigers Speedway team and hosts Formula One stock car racing events.

Jason Collins, commercial director at Harris CM, said: “I was born and bred in Sheffield so this contract is particularly special for me. I am really proud to be working on such a prestigious project in my home town, building an impressive new addition to a stadium that has been serving the city since 1929. We will be creating a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy for many years to come.

“The contract win is also welcome news for many of our supply chain partners, who are based in the city and surrounding area. It’s also our first opportunity to work with the Quantity Surveyors, Richard Fletcher Associates, and renew acquaintances with the Architects, Ward McHugh Associates, both of whom are highly respected Sheffield-based companies.”

John Gilburn, Owlerton’s managing director, added: “The reaction to our plans has been so overwhelmingly positive, and we can’t wait for Harris CM to get cracking with such an important development in the long history of Owlerton Greyhound Stadium. Their impressive track-record and commitment to quality, alongside their professional and cost-effective services all contributed to their appointment.

“The new building will not only give us the most modern banqueting and conference facilities in the city, but it will elevate our much-loved stadium to a whole new level. Our fantastic city has lacked a flexible venue on this scale, and we will be hosting weddings, conferences, large banquets, indoor sporting events, concerts and much more from here next year.”