Last week, Tameside Council’s Executive Cabinet approved a proposal from its infrastructure partner, Inspired Spaces Tameside Limited (LEP), who are contracted to design and build the new facilities, to replace their original sub-contractor Carillion, with Robertson Construction Group Limited.
Robertson who are one of the largest independently owned construction companies in the UK and the LEP, have entered into an 8 week Early Works Agreement. The priority is to secure the employment of key construction staff, bring subcontractors back on site and agree a new sub contract. All Carillion employees that had worked on the project and were still looking for employment have been given roles by Robertson.
There will be a delay in the original planned completion date but everything possible is being done to ensure that new building is completed as soon as possible.
The pioneering Vision Tameside project comprises of a new 7,000 m2 Advanced Skills Centre for Tameside College and a new Joint Public Service Centre for Tameside Council and its partners and retail space for Wilko’s.
Once completed, these new developments will bring thousands of new staff and students to the town centre, boosting the retail economy.
Based on Wellington Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, on the former site of the Tameside Council administration building, the new facility will provide residents with more cost effective and customer friendly facilities under one roof.
The college development will also provide state-of-the-art educational facilities for students who will be able to study a broad range of vocational skills in the borough.
Cllr Brenda Warrington, Executive Leader of Tameside Council, said: “Getting a new sub-contractor in place has been our top council priority after Carillion went into liquidation. One of our main aims has been to protect the job security of hard-working staff operating on former Carillion contracts.
“Vision Tameside is a key initiative in the area and one we know will provide considerable jobs and growth when it’s completed. As a result, we are delighted that Robertson Construction has started work to complete these exciting developments in Tameside”.
Dirk Pittaway, managing director of Robertson North West, said: “We know that the project is a high priority for Tameside, and we are proud to be able to play our part in ensuring it is successfully delivered.
“We also welcome our new colleagues into the Robertson family. When entering into the Early Works Agreement it was a key priority that we were able to offer employment to all those that previously worked on the project”.
