Upskilling the next generation of construction workers has been the central focus of the delivery of the new Showtown – Blackpool’s first museum – with contractor, Conlon Construction, ensuring local youngsters play an integral role in its completion. The £13million attraction, which will be located in the heart of the
Today at full council, following a thorough procurement process, Preston City Council have appointed Conlon Construction Ltd as the Re-imagining the Harris Project preferred construction partner. This is a significant milestone towards the delivery of the Harris Your Place project, which aims to create a cultural, civic and community hub
The University of Central Lancashire (also known in more trendy quarters of this country as the UCLan) is to witness a major new property and development progression as it commits towards a program designed to create new social space for its lucky students worth in the range of £8.15 million.
Conlon Construction has finished work on two school refurbishment schemes worth almost £7 million in Lancashire. The projects, commissioned by Lancashire County Council, saw the Preston based contractor refurbish Southlands High School in Chorley and construct new facilities for Lancaster Road Primary School in Morecambe. Both were to provide bigger
Conlon Construction has begun working on a ground-breaking £40 million Hertfordshire hospital. The firm has kicked off the 65 week project for the new private hospital in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. The two storey facility is being built on a four acre site close to the University of Hertfordshire’s College Lane Campus.
Upskilling the next generation of construction workers has been the central focus of the delivery of the new Showtown – Blackpool’s first museum – with contractor, Conlon Construction, ensuring local youngsters play an integral role in its completion. The £13million attraction, which will be located in the heart of the seaside town, has seen a wealth of regional construction suppliers – including James Mercer Group, Chris Bowker Electrical and LN Joinery – come together under Conlon’s lead to enable young people the opportunity to learn key skills on site as part of apprenticeships, T Levels and HNC qualifications. In total, 11 students have been involved in the landmark project, which Bamber Bridge-based Conlon says will play a big role in ensuring the local construction talent pipeline is armed for years to come. Jasmine Lee, 21, said: “Working on Showtown has opened my eyes to the variety of different roles available for females in construction. “After I finished my GCSEs, I completed six weeks’ work experience with Conlon and then undertook an apprenticeship, gaining experience in quantity surveying, estimating and contract management. This opportunity gave me a thirst for more, and now I’m planning a degree in construction project management with the University of Bolton while working with Conlon on landmark developments such as Showtown. Together, these things are ensuring I’m armed with the right experience and expertise to create a strong career and future for myself.” Claudiu Mathe, 22, said: “I’ve been working on the Showtown museum for just over a month as part of my T Level course with Blackpool and The Fylde College. I’m training in plumbing and heating, and being able to work on this project has made me excited for my future – I can see myself, in five years’ time, having a van with my name on it, running my own business.” Aimee Buck, 27, said: “I work in business development and really enjoy the process of listening to what a client wants and then putting together all the documentation and information required to help us win the business. I’m in the process of completing an HNC in construction and the built environment at Preston College, so having the opportunity to work on Showtown is providing a great amount of experience and knowledge that I wouldn’t have had access to elsewhere. Plus, it’s preparing me for my future in the industry.” Toby Cian, 19, said: “As a joinery apprentice, I’ve learnt a lot of different interpersonal skills like patience, independence and confidence, and am getting to know more about the different jobs it takes to pull together a project like Showtown. In five years’ time, with this type of experience under my belt, I hope to be working for various different projects as a fully qualified joiner.” Neil Conlon, business development manager at Conlon Construction, said: “Showtown is just one of many projects we have partnered with Blackpool Council on in recent years, although our relationship spans several decades. We’re always keen to demonstrate that we are avid supporters of the local community, which is why we ensure that 80 per cent of our workforce and suppliers are based within a 30-mile radius of our projects. “The same applies for the young people we bring into projects like this one. The region urgently needs a conveyor belt of talented tradespeople to support our future infrastructure, and we want to play a role in achieving that. Because without the support of apprentices and other students, our business wouldn’t be what it is. This is our future and every business in Lancashire and the wider North West should be taking similar steps to support the next generation of talent.” Cllr Lynn Williams, Blackpool Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Tourism, Arts and Culture, said: “It’s fantastic to see young people playing a major role in the delivery of the Showtown development and learn key skills on site as part of their apprenticeships, T Levels courses and HNC qualifications. “The hard work and enthusiasm from the students is inspiring and it’s wonderful to see young women learning about the variety of different roles available for females in construction. “Showtown will join other iconic attractions in the town and will celebrate Blackpool’s rich heritage by bringing people together to celebrate the resort’s story. The museum will be enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors alike when it opens next year.” Showtown will be operated and managed by the Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust. The museum will be located close to the Blackpool Tower and consists of interactive galleries that tell stories from the world of Shows, Circus, Magic, Dance, the Illuminations and all the joy of being by the seaside. Along with a temporary exhibition space and learning space, there will be a retail outlet selling souvenirs inspired by the world of entertainment. Showtown, due to open its doors in spring 2023, is a vital regeneration project for Blackpool, and is set to welcome 290,000 visitors each year offering a significant boost to tourist numbers and economic growth.
Today at full council, following a thorough procurement process, Preston City Council have appointed Conlon Construction Ltd as the Re-imagining the Harris Project preferred construction partner. This is a significant milestone towards the delivery of the Harris Your Place project, which aims to create a cultural, civic and community hub at Preston and Lancashire’s premier art gallery, museum and library. The council will now enter into a Pre-Construction Services Agreement with Conlon, which enables further detailed discussions about the project plans before presenting a further council report in April 2022. Councillor Peter Kelly, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Night time Economy at Preston City Council, said, “The ambitious plans and vision we’ve had for the re-imagining the Harris project are now coming to fruition as we take this huge step forward, with local Preston firm Conlon Construction as the preferred construction partner. We can’t wait to progress this project, which will deliver an incredible revitalised space for residents and visitors to Preston to explore arts, culture and fantastic events in the years to come. Don’t forget, while this work takes place The Harris library and IT services are still open at their ‘home from home’ in the Guild Hall. Michael Conlon, chairman of Conlon Construction, said: “The Harris is a beacon for the arts and culture in Lancashire, and we’re delighted to be the preferred project partner in bringing this vision to reality. “As a local business, proud of our Preston roots, we have worked previously at the Grade I listed Harris having constructed the Discover Preston Gallery just ahead of the 2012 Guild celebrations. Our appointment to this project is a key milestone as we celebrate our 60th anniversary this year and reflect upon decades of successfully contributing to the built environment of the city and the county.”
The University of Central Lancashire (also known in more trendy quarters of this country as the UCLan) is to witness a major new property and development progression as it commits towards a program designed to create new social space for its lucky students worth in the range of £8.15 million. In conjunction with the faculty’s intentions to refurbish and improve itself over the next year by devoting up to £200 million towards rebuilding parts of the faculty, this particular improvement to the campus will be commissioned to Conlon Construction. This particular company, which has its footing in the area of Preston, will ensure that work is completed to the best of their ability and is scheduled to be finished by the end of the year. Indeed, Conlon Construction do not lie around, since last week on the 6th February they declared the project open and ready to go by putting the first shovelful of work towards the project. The Greenbank and Harrington site has already witnessed some major developments and progress has been made already by Conlon Construction so that university planners and delegates are confident that the independent contractor will deliver the space on time and on budget. In total, work on the two sites (which also include significant rebuilding along the Foster location of the building area) will necessitate amounts of concrete worth up to 90 individual piles as well as up to 150 tons of steel material. With all of this in mind, it is clear that Conlon Construction will also need to be good in order to ensure the logistical transportation and delivery of the materials onto the site. Members of UCLan have expressed their confidence in Conlon Construction and their belief that the company will be able to aid them in making their refurbishment plans come true and get delivered to them on time and within budget.
Conlon Construction has finished work on two school refurbishment schemes worth almost £7 million in Lancashire. The projects, commissioned by Lancashire County Council, saw the Preston based contractor refurbish Southlands High School in Chorley and construct new facilities for Lancaster Road Primary School in Morecambe. Both were to provide bigger facilities to cope with the growing number of pupils. The £3.6 million scheme at Southlands High School delivered a new sports hall, classroom, changing rooms, offices and reception and increased pupil intake by 30 each year, rising capacity from 190 to 220. Lancaster Road Primary School is now a three-form entry establishment following a £3.2 million programme of works. The new single-storey building now comprises six classrooms, a multi-use hall, group/interview rooms, a new entrance and a staff room. The project also included extension of the car park and kitchen facilities. Guy Parker, managing director at Conlon Construction, said: “There is a distinct lack of school places across the UK and demand is set to increase in the coming years in-line with the growing population. “As a main contractor with a raft of experience in the education sector amassed over the last 55 years, we are well versed in delivering school, college and university projects and utilised these skills to provide modern facilities for children in Chorley and Lancaster that will encourage pupils to be the best they can be.” Meanwhile, Conlon has begun working on a ground-breaking £40 million Hertfordshire hospital. The firm has kicked off the 65 week project for the new private hospital in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. The two storey facility is being built on a four acre site close to the University of Hertfordshire’s College Lane Campus. It has been commissioned by One Healthcare and was designed by Manning Elliott. The hospital will have spaces for 21 beds, three of which will be designated for critical care three ultra clean ventilation (UCV) theatres, 14 day-case pods, two treatment rooms and 10 outpatient consulting rooms.
Conlon Construction has begun working on a ground-breaking £40 million Hertfordshire hospital. The firm has kicked off the 65 week project for the new private hospital in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. The two storey facility is being built on a four acre site close to the University of Hertfordshire’s College Lane Campus. It has been commissioned by One Healthcare and was designed by Manning Elliott. The hospital will have spaces for 21 beds, three of which will be designated for critical care three ultra clean ventilation (UCV) theatres, 14 day-case pods, two treatment rooms and 10 outpatient consulting rooms. Furthermore, it will also have a high tech imaging suite, which will offer MRI, UD, CT and digital XR scans. One Healthcare was established in July 2014 for the development and operation of private hospitals throughout the UK. One Hatfield Hospital is due to open by the end of next year, in the second of 10 planned facilities. Adrian Stevenson, Chief Executive, commented: “We are committed to providing the very best care, with outstanding consultants and state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities ideally located across the UK. With a main aim to optimise patient experience, One Hatfield Hospital has been modelled on innovative surgery and diagnostic centres in America and Australasia in order to provide unrivalled design features, service and technology. “We are delighted that our vision is coming to life with the help of our contractor and are looking forward to seeing the plans come to fruition.” In March this year, Conlon Construction finished the same developer’s £30 million One Ashford Hospital. Chairman Michael Conlon said: “Having already delivered a number of healthcare facilities across the UK, most recently the private hospital in Kent for the same client, we understand the intricacies of such projects and have devised a build programme that will ensure One Hatfield is delivered on time and within budget.”
