Diversify to multiply

The construction arena is a wide-ranging, multi-disciplined, diversified sector where those that succeed are able to demonstrate expertise across a multitude of potential contract types, a fact supported by the assortment of recent projects outlined in this month’s report.

For instance, Aecom has been appointed to manage and supervise site investigation works for a new cruise liner terminal for Liverpool City Council. The terminal will form part of a 60-hectare historic dockland site to create a mixed use waterfront quarter. Aecom will undertake a complex river and land based geotechnical and environmental site investigation and carry out geophysical surveys.

Remaining in Lancashire, the construction of a second warehouse extension in Burnley for online retailer Boohoo.com is already in progress, with Barnfield Construction expected to complete its £6m contract in early 2018, adding 900,000 sq ft of storage to the existing 996,000 sq ft. This will provide sufficient capacity for a £1bn net sales operation. The land acquisition of the new site, together with the construction, is expected to cost around £150 million.

The education sector continues to drive revenues, as McLaren Construction can testify having just secured a £38 million contract to build a sports and science facility for Brighton College. This high-profile project will comprise the demolition of existing buildings within the site boundary and the construction of a new sports and science building over four floors.  The facility is designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. Construction will start in July this year and be completed by the end of 2019.

Elsewhere, Willmott Dixon has been awarded a £17 million contract to create The Reach Free School in Rickmansworth. The project to construct a new secondary school building and sports hall was procured through the EFA framework. Plans include major investment in the local highways infrastructure, including on-site parking spaces, new walking routes and safe crossing points, as well as a large drop-off area within the site that will help to prevent congestion on local roads.

Last up this month, but of notable interest, is the announcement by North Lincolnshire Council that it is ready to press ahead with a £13.3 million flood defence scheme to protect towns and villages on both sides of the River Trent. Due to be completed in March 2019, the scheme will see 3.5km of sheet piles installed along the east bank of the river from the M180 to Keadby Bridge. Over on the west bank, the defences will be raised where there are low spots to protect communities. Following a tender process, the building contract has been awarded to VBA joint venture Volkerstevin, which will start on site in January 2018.