Latest news with #BuildingLivesAcademy
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Willmott Dixon to undertake Visitor Centre construction project at Northern Roots, UK
Willmott Dixon, a contracting and interior fit-out group, has been selected by Oldham Council to undertake the construction of a new Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots, stated to become the UK's 'largest' urban farm and eco-park. This initiative is a component of Oldham's 'Green and Growing' priority, aiming to transform 160 acres of local green space. The council has secured £12.9m ($17.1m) from the national government's Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund Round 2 to advance this key phase of the project. The Visitor Centre, nestled in the woodland at the northern end of the site, will provide an array of facilities including a café, shop, production kitchen, and spaces for exhibitions and performances, as well as learning and meeting areas. The Forestry Skills Centre is designed to offer vocational learning opportunities to residents, focusing on technical and land-based skills and qualifications. Since 2023, efforts to enhance local biodiversity have included the planting of 2,000 trees and the creation of six ponds, in addition to establishing a community garden and a wildflower meadow. The Visitor Centre is a move forward for the Northern Roots project, which also encompasses the creation of car parking, access improvements, an outdoor amphitheatre, and landscaping. Willmott Dixon has set a target to complete the Visitor Centre by summer 2026. Oldham Council leader and councillor Arooj Shah said: "Northern Roots is a ground-breaking project that will benefit our communities for generations to come – a place where nature, learning, and opportunity come together. Oldham Council is proud to be driving this project in partnership with Northern Roots, creating a thriving space for education, recreation, and enterprise, showcasing Oldham as a leader in green innovation.' 'The Visitor Centre will provide our residents with skills, support opportunities for businesses, and enhance the local environment. It's a win-win for our borough.' Willmott Dixon director for the North West Michael Poole-Sutherland said: 'As an Oldham-based business we are excited to be shaping this invaluable community space, working in partnership with Oldham Council once again. In partnership with our proud local supply chain partners, we are committed to creating four new employment opportunities directly on the project. Through our bespoke 'Building Lives Academy' pre-employability programme, we will support 10 previously unemployed Oldham residents with qualifications, skills and work experience.' Recently, Willmott Dixon, along with real estate developer Milligan, has been chosen by Dover District Council to spearhead a strategic regeneration initiative focused on transforming Dover's town centre into a contemporary destination in the south east of England. "Willmott Dixon to undertake Visitor Centre construction project at Northern Roots, UK" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Willmott Dixon begins construction on Whitby Maritime Training Hub
Willmott Dixon, a contracting and interior fit-out group, has commenced construction on the Whitby Maritime Training Hub in Whitby, North Yorkshire, England. The training hub will serve as a centre for the training and certification of individuals in the maritime and offshore renewable sectors. It will feature engineering workshops, office space for marine-based startups, and accommodation for businesses and service providers. The hub will complement Whitby's rich fishing and sailing heritage, with completion of the project expected by April 2026. North Yorkshire Council procured Willmott Dixon for the £9.6m ($12.4m) project through the SCAPE Construction Framework, a public sector-compliant construction framework. Align Property Partners, the council's building design consultancy, will oversee the day-to-day management of the site. The council plans to operate the facility initially, with the potential for a community interest company to take over management in the future. The hub is expected to create new commercial opportunities and reduce the area's dependence on seasonal employment. Funding for the project is sourced from the national government's Town Deals programme, which contributed a total of £37.3m to Whitby and Scarborough in 2021. Upon completion, the Endeavour Wharf car park will offer 198 parking spaces, including spaces for disabled individuals and harbour operators. The car park will remain closed during construction for safety reasons. Willmott Dixon Yorkshire director Chris Yates said: "We're really excited to be working alongside North Yorkshire Council to create this landmark development which will add to Whitby's proud maritime heritage. "We share the council's passion for creating employment opportunities for this community. In partnership with our local supply chain partners, we will provide 800 hours of employment support through our bespoke Building Lives Academy programmes.' 'This will help those furthest from the job market become work-ready and give those involved the chance to leave a lasting legacy by contributing directly to the build of the new hub.' Last month, Willmott Dixon secured a contract for the City of Doncaster Council's Gateway One development, a new 52,000ft² Grade A office building in Doncaster, England. "Willmott Dixon begins construction on Whitby Maritime Training Hub" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
