Contractor takes over at £17m mixed use development of former prison site
Local contractor Moody Construction has taken over the final phase of the Treadmills development in Northallerton, after the firm previously responsible for the work fell into administration.
The building contractor has now re-started work on site to deliver a multi-screen cinema for Everyman, three new-build restaurant units, and public realm works to create a showpiece civic square.
Family-owned Moody Construction has been appointed by the Central Northallerton Development Company Ltd (CNDCL) joint venture formed by leading Yorkshire developer Wykeland Group and Hambleton District Council to drive forward the £17m mixed-use development of the former Northallerton Prison site.
It follows an interruption to works after PDR Construction went into administration, resulting in work being paused for just under a month while a process was followed to appoint a new company.
The regeneration scheme is now set to be fully completed – as previously planned – by this autumn, a few weeks later than originally scheduled.
Once finished the 11,000 sq ft Everyman cinema will have four screens, with a total of 276 seats, as well as its own restaurant and licensed bar.
Jonathan Stubbs, development director of Wykeland and a member of the CNDCL Board, said: “We’re pleased we have been able to put in place a rapid but rigorous process to review progress, consider options for a new contractor and, finally, to appoint Moody Construction.
“This process has ensured we now have in place a new contractor with the capability and capacity to ensure a seamless transition and complete the project, while ensuring value for money.
“Moody Construction has mobilised its existing supply chain and also re-engaged a number of sub-contractors who were working on site before the construction pause.”
Councillor Mark Robson, leader of Hambleton District Council, said: “Work on the site has only been delayed by a few weeks and we look forward to seeing the new cinema opening to the public.
“The council is committed to delivering a first class offer at the old prison site – all the current retail units are now occupied, businesses are joining the C4DI digital hub and students will be on the campus site the spring.
“The creation of the cinema clearly demonstrates this council’s ambition to developing and enhancing our market town.”
Previous work by Moody Construction enabled the creation of the Centre for Digital Innovation (C4Di) Northallerton tech hub, a digital education “eCampus”, involving the University of Sunderland and York College, offices and other facilities.
James Moody, construction director, added: “We have been based in Northallerton since our company was founded over 100 years ago and the majority of Moody Construction staff live locally.
“So there has been a commitment from our pre-construction team to minimise disruption and expedite the complex and rigorous negotiations with a view to seeing progress on site resume as quickly as possible.
“Our project management staff and on-site personnel will now maintain momentum, working with our supply chain to complete the fantastic recreational facility to benefit future generations.”
The transformation of the former prison buildings followed delivery of the first phase of Treadmills, which saw the creation of three stores, anchored by Lidl, and a 126-space car park.
