The construction of a 10-storey apartment building in Peterborough is expected to begin soon, creating jobs for city residents. Willmott Dixon executives have pledged to use local labor in the £70 million project to construct the 315 apartments in Northminster.
The company was granted the construction contract by a social housing association, Cross Keys Homes (CKH). They are based on Shrewsbury Avenue in Woodston.
Willmott Dixon was brought into the development team earlier this year by Peterborough Investment Partnership (PIP). This was before the site was sold to CKH. They have already completed the demolition of the existing buildings and groundworks on the site. Therefore,a main works development contract has now been signed between CKH and Willmott Dixon, who will be in charge of all aspects of the project.
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Core objectives for the 10-storey apartment building in Peterborough
“We are happy to have signed contracts with Willmott Dixon to develop this flagship project for the city. Thus, it will create 315 new affordable homes,” said Claire Higgins, chief executive of CKH.
“Willmott Dixon‘s purpose is to deliver brilliant buildings, transform lives, strengthen communities, and enhance the environment. This aligns with our core objectives and makes them the ideal partner for this exciting development,” says the company.
“We’re delighted to have now completed contracts with Cross Keys Homes for this superb 10-storey apartment building in Peterborough,” added David McCallion, director at Willmott Dixon. He said the company will prioritize the recruitment of local labour, provide training opportunities. They will also invest in local businesses throughout the two years it will take to complete the development.
“This is a massive regeneration project. We will be using innovative construction methods to build better, greener, and smarter,” he added. “Offsite elements will include a light gauge steel frame, brick slips, and the use of bathroom pods. This will aid in quality assurance, program certainty, and environmental benefits.”
The 10-storey apartment building in Peterborough is expected to be completed in October 2024. Consequently, it is partially funded by a £12.5 million grant from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority. It will provide much-needed high-quality affordable housing in the city centre.
Construction consultants AA Projects are advising CKH on this project. Furthermore, a project team comprised of architects Corstorphine & Wright, planning consultants ELG, structural engineers SBK, and mechanical and electrical engineers Briggs & Forrester is working alongside Willmott Dixon.