Work to extend and improve older people’s accommodation, build 140 new homes and a new centre for disabled children and their families, has restarted following the initial outbreak of Coronavirus.
Work to extend and improve older people’s accommodation, build 140 new homes and a new centre for disabled children and their families, has restarted following the initial outbreak of Coronavirus.
With the Government encouraging construction to continue in the UK, construction has restarted at Lowfield Green, and on independent living schemes at Marjorie Waite Court and Lincoln Court – plus its neighbouring Centre of Excellence – after a pause following lockdown.
National guidance continues to encourage construction where possible, in order to support the economy and to provide new homes and facilities. The Council’s contractors have reviewed guidance from the Construction Leadership Council and have conducted careful risk assessments of all on-site activities.
As a result, the contractors have put in place robust new procedures to protect their workforce, suppliers and the local community. This includes a restricted number of suppliers and workers on site at any one time to support social distancing measures, plus additional hand-washing and welfare facilities on site.
Cllr Denise Craghill, Executive Member for Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods, said: “Good progress is being made on all these sites and I’m very pleased the contractors are taking great care to ensure the work can proceed safely, working to Government and industry guidance on social distancing and safe working to minimise the risks.
“I hope this allays any concerns of residents who live close to the sites. The sooner the work proceeds, the sooner it will be finished, providing new homes and much needed new facilities.”
Cllr Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “In these difficult times, I’m so pleased to be able to look forward and see work continuing to build a better future for our residents.
“I would like to thank the residents living near these sites for their understanding, and thank you to our resilient and adaptable staff and contractors in these challenging circumstances.”
Construction work is being carried out by Wates Ltd to build 140 homes on Lowfield Green as part of the Housing Delivery Programme. For the council’s Older People’s Accommodation Programme, construction is being carried out by Hobson & Porter at Marjorie Waite Court and by Sewell at Lincoln Court and at the Centre of Excellence.
Neighbouring residents will continue to be kept updated on progress through regular newsletters.
