Construction works on a new multi-million-pound neighbourhood centre have now completed at Blythe Valley Park (BVP) in Solihull, and the finished scheme was marked with a socially distanced handover ceremony on 16 April. The £7.5million project, which was led by Midlands-based contractor G F Tomlinson on behalf of client IM
G F Tomlinson has been successfully selected as an approved partner for the NHS Shared Business Services PS-Works: Public Sector Construction Works Framework, which launched on 17 December 2020. The framework will provide a compliant procurement route to market for all NHS and wider public sector construction works requirements across
Midlands-contractor G F Tomlinson has appointed three new technical apprentices as part of its commitment to investing in the next generation of construction workers. The latest recruits to the construction firm’s apprenticeship scheme include Jack Harvey and Joe Langley who both achieved successful GCSE results, and Joshua Worrall who recently
Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has completed works on an innovative modular housing scheme in Grantham, which is the first of its kind in the region. Delivered for South Kesteven District Council, through the Scape Regional Construction framework, the scheme comprises two modular housing developments valued at a total of
Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has completed works on an innovative modular housing scheme in Grantham, which is the first of its kind in the region. Delivered for South Kesteven District Council, through the Scape Regional Construction framework, the scheme comprises two modular housing developments valued at a total of
Midlands-contractor G F Tomlinson is due to start highway infrastructure works this August as part of the £2.4million re-development of a mixed-use business park site in Skegness for Lincolnshire County Council, via the Scape Regional Construction framework. Works at the Skegness Industrial Estate located to the west of the town,
Construction works have started to create a new neighbourhood centre and residential apartments at Blythe Valley Park in Solihull. Led by Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson, the works will involve the construction of four new mixed-use high quality apartment buildings at Blythe Valley Park – as part of client IM
Construction has started on the £3.9m renovation of King Edward VI School in Lichfield, with works being led by Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson for Staffordshire County Council under the Staffordshire Construction framework. This is the second contract secured by G F Tomlinson through the Staffordshire Construction framework for Staffordshire
Construction work on the long-awaited Tower Gardens Pavilion is now complete, bringing new inclusive community facilities to Skegness. Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson delivered the design and construction of the building via the Scape Regional Construction framework, for Skegness Town Council. Works to transform the disused site began in May
CONSTRUCTION company G F Tomlinson has officially started work on a pioneering £23 million project on behalf of the University of Nottingham to expand its Centre for Biomolecular Sciences. A ground-breaking event took place on 4 April to mark the beginning of the scheme that will deliver a state-of-the-art research
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Construction works on a new multi-million-pound neighbourhood centre have now completed at Blythe Valley Park (BVP) in Solihull, and the finished scheme was marked with a socially distanced handover ceremony on 16 April. The £7.5million project, which was led by Midlands-based contractor G F Tomlinson on behalf of client IM Properties, involved the construction of four mixed-use, high quality apartment buildings to act as a new hub for BVP. The 1.2million sq. ft. park employs 3,500 people and is occupied by more than 25 businesses, including a range of high-profile brands such as Gymshark, Lounge, Cooper Parry, Siemens and Zenith. Bloor Homes and Crest Nicholson are also on site building 750 new homes. BVP also features a number of amenities for people who live and work within the development, including Java Lounge Coffee House, Busy Bees Nursery & Pre-School and Virgin Active Gym, as well as 122 acres of surrounding parkland. The new neighbourhood centre helps to seamlessly blend the growing residential and commercial communities at the development – providing 48 one and two-bed apartments, 36 of which are being retained and let by IM Properties. The affordable housing element is being managed by Bromford Homes. Modern retail spaces make up two of the ground floor buildings, which are available for a convenience store and a further retail unit, creating additional jobs in the area. All four of the new apartment buildings provide level access to accommodate disabled members of the community and renewable green technology has been installed to provide power to apartments and communal areas. There is also cycle storage, a number of electric car charging points, and an onsite electric pool car for short journeys. Andy Sewards, managing director at G F Tomlinson said: “It has been a pleasure to work with IM Properties to create the new neighbourhood centre at Blythe Valley Park, which has delivered a significant number of new homes, complete with retail and food outlets, that will boost the local economy and employment. “Blythe Valley Park is a well-established business hub that offers great investment, employment and residential opportunities and we’re extremely pleased to have handed over this exciting project this spring, which has helped to further expand the park’s residential community. “As a Midlands-based contractor, we are always proud to work on schemes that deliver investment into the region and this is another significant residential project to add to our portfolio.” Richard Knight, technical director of IM Properties said: “We’re pleased to have worked in partnership with G F Tomlinson as a part of our trusted supply chain to create the new neighbourhood centre as part of our ambition to create one of the Midlands’ first truly mixed-use schemes. “The new neighbourhood centre helps to connect the commercial and residential phases and add to the buzz of community life at the heart of the scheme, with people living, working and enjoying leisure time alongside.” Chris Hill, project manager at Novus, said: “A fantastic project, delivered via a solid and collective team ethic, within extremely challenging circumstances; yet with programme and quality maintained. We are delighted to have been provided the opportunity to work with G F Tomlinson and the role of driving this scheme on behalf of our key client.” An 80-bed care facility is also under construction by Macc Care Group.
G F Tomlinson has been successfully selected as an approved partner for the NHS Shared Business Services PS-Works: Public Sector Construction Works Framework, which launched on 17 December 2020. The framework will provide a compliant procurement route to market for all NHS and wider public sector construction works requirements across the UK, and G F Tomlinson has been appointed to deliver projects up to the value of £5million across the East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire regions. Bidding for the framework, which lines up trusted construction partners for the next seven years, started in February 2020, with 82 UK contractors vying for limited places of up to 10 for each regional lot. 41 contractors in total have been selected to work on projects up to the value of £5million across the UK including G F Tomlinson, and projects to be delivered will include healthcare, education, housing, social care, leisure, libraries, blue light, transport, recycling and waste, industrial and commercial facilities, as well as mixed use regeneration projects. As part of the complex bidding process, G F Tomlinson was required to prove innovation and sustainability in its delivery, as well as consistency of engagement with stakeholders. Following its successful appointment to the framework, the contractor must embrace and commit to eight core framework objectives when delivering projects, which include: value for money, collaboration, approved organisation satisfaction, quality, sustainable procurement, social value, modern methods of construction and an integrated supply chain. Additionally, contractors must provide the NHS and wider public sector authorities with pre-approved supply chains with suitable levels of training, experience and compliance for master planning, integrated design and construction works. Providing social value to local communities is a key framework driver, which includes the use of local supply chains to focus on SME impacts and sustainable local outputs, whilst being actively managed to ensure efficiencies and innovation are being delivered. G F Tomlinson has a strong focus on social value, and its policy and processes focus on four key investment areas including: 1. Employment, training and skills 2. Sustainable procurement 3. Environmental protection and enhancement and 4. Community support. In the last three years, the contractor has generated £22.5million of social value, investing £1million in terms of corporate time, expertise and funding to local community projects and charities. 59% of local labour is sourced within a 20-mile radius of recent projects and 89% within 40 miles of sites. The contractor also diverts 97% of all waste from its projects away from landfill. Chris Flint, director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are very pleased to have been appointed to this major NHS Public Sector Construction Works Framework, which is streamlining the procurement route to market of all NHS and wider public sector construction work requirements across the country. We look forward to delivering significant healthcare and public sector projects for the next seven years. “G F Tomlinson has already delivered in excess of £640million projects through public sector frameworks to date and as a hardworking and tenacious team, we fully embrace the opportunities this provides in extending our reach across the UK, leaving a positive legacy in the regions in which we operate. “With our experienced management team, commitment to high-quality project delivery, collaborative working, together with the provision of social, economic, environmental and sustainable benefits for local communities, we are ideally positioned to deliver projects up to the value of £5million, as part of this NHS Framework.”
Midlands-contractor G F Tomlinson has appointed three new technical apprentices as part of its commitment to investing in the next generation of construction workers. The latest recruits to the construction firm’s apprenticeship scheme include Jack Harvey and Joe Langley who both achieved successful GCSE results, and Joshua Worrall who recently passed his A levels – all three joined the technical team this month to kick start their careers in the industry. Derby-based Jack Harvey starts his apprenticeship scheme as a technical apprentice with GCSEs in maths, English, French, science, technology and ICT. His main responsibilities will be performing a range of tasks assigned by line managers, working across a variety of departments to gain a wide breadth of experience, especially in the initial first few months. Technical apprentice, Joe Langley, from Crich achieved GCSEs in maths, English language, English literature and science, and his interest in entering the construction industry led to him completing a BTEC in the Construction and the Built Environment, in which he achieved a Level 2 distinction. He will be focusing on growing his skills across various departments. Nottingham-based Joshua Worrall, joins as a technical apprentice having achieved A levels in business studies, physical education and ICT. His responsibilities will include meeting the needs and requirements of all projects that he is assigned to, to ensure they are completed properly, safely, and to the best price and time scale as possible. G F Tomlinson has 24 professional apprentices currently across the Group and the firm has an ongoing commitment to invest in the future generation of construction workers, all of which participate in fully recognised apprenticeship training schemes. The apprenticeship schemes are open to 16 to 19-year olds, and all apprentices that are offered a place with G F Tomlinson undertake an intensive training programme which consists of working alongside a dedicated mentor and spending a designated period in all parts of the company, before specialising in their selected roles. Applications for apprenticeships start at Christmas time for the following September, and all applicants are advised that the recruitment process then starts in early May with a formal review of all applications. For this September intake, seven applicants attended a COVID-19 secure interview back in June. Associate construction director, Kevin Dodds, said: “Our apprenticeships are all about unlocking potential for young people, helping them into the construction industry and nurturing and developing skills. Training is a core value at G F Tomlinson and we pride ourselves on the programme we offer. There are plenty of roles open to young people in construction, not just on the craft side such as bricklaying and joinery, but also including site management, site engineering, design management, quantity surveying, estimating, and health and safety.” On his new appointment, technical apprentice, Jack Harvey, said: “I am excited and keen to learn, gain experience and build relationships with my colleagues at my new job. I was attracted to the company after completing my work experience last year, meeting all the friendly people on site. I hope to bring even more success to the company and aim to become a site manager at G F Tomlinson in the future.” Technical apprentice, Joe Langley, said: “As part of my work experience programme, I previously spent time in an architect’s practice and this insight made me realise that a career in construction was something that I wanted to pursue. Previous part time job roles that I’ve held have also given me experience in teamwork and communication, which I believe will help me be a good addition to the G F Tomlinson team. I am really looking forward to starting my career and am excited by this opportunity to join a company with an outstanding reputation. I hope to maintain this reputation and see myself in a leading or management role in the future.” Technical apprentice, Joshua Worrall, said: “G F Tomlinson has a very good reputation and is a well-respected company, and the firm is recognised for helping young people succeed in the industry. In my new role, I am excited to get to work in a large, friendly company with a great reputation, meeting lots of new people and being able to prove my worth within the workplace. I am also excited to learn about the trade and how everything works within the industry, as well as being able to do my part. I hope to bring enthusiasm and hope to get stuck into projects to help the company develop as a whole.” Investing in the next generation of construction workers and giving them the skills that they need to enter the industry, is a key value held by G F Tomlinson. The firm values training and investment in young talent, and invests time, money and effort in developing the skills of its staff and apprentices. Commitment to training includes promoting Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and 400 person hours are dedicated per annum, enhancing the overall education level of its local workforce.
Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has completed works on an innovative modular housing scheme in Grantham, which is the first of its kind in the region. Delivered for South Kesteven District Council, through the Scape Regional Construction framework, the scheme comprises two modular housing developments valued at a total of £2.1m, which will provide critical social housing to meet the current requirements of the local authority. Works commenced at the two developments – Kinoulton Court and Earlesfield Lane – late last year and the plots were completed in summer. The 2,200 sq. ft. Earlesfield development comprises a block of four one-bedroom semi-detached apartments and Kinoulton Court is a 5,400 sq. ft. housing development comprising 10 one-bedroom apartments split into two blocks – one of which has four one-bedroom apartments and the other, six one-bedroom apartments. Delivered by lorry to site, the houses were fitted onto prepared foundations which include functioning pipe works and electrics. This process ensures that time is saved at the construction stage, with 10 weeks of programme time being saved for this particular scheme, compared to traditional methods. Works on both South Kesteven plots involved clearance of the sites – as Earlesfield was a small car park and Kinoulton Court, underutilised land. Prior to the installation of the modular units by supply chain partner, Premier Modular Ltd, a full enabling groundworks package was required for each plot with foundations, drainage and a protective ground gas membrane. The homes were then roofed and cladded on site, before external works were undertaken to each property including fenced boundaries, landscaped gardens, carparking and footpaths. External elevations were fitted with insulation and brick slips, and all internal finishes were completed by Premier Modular Ltd including UPVC glazing, mechanical and electrical works, plastering, decorations, flooring and commissioning. The traditional timber truss roofs and slate tiling was completed on site due to restrictions with transporting overly large modular building sections through the narrow residential streets. Craig Stopper, framework manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are pleased to have delivered this critical modular housing scheme in the region, to facilitate the fundamental need for social housing for South Kesteven District Council. “The modular housing plots were completed on-time and to a high standard which is a testament to our project teams and local supply chain partners, who have quickly adapted to the new guidelines which have been introduced as a result of the pandemic, to ensure safe working and social distancing on site. “We are certainly seeing an increase in the demand for modular construction as an energy efficient, comprehensive solution for social housing, that provides high-quality, affordable, easily accessible and adaptable accommodation. As modular sites are relatively unaffected by environmental delays such as bad weather – less logistical transport is required for materials which is more environmentally friendly and generates less waste.” SKDC Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, Cllr Robert Reid, said: “We are building new homes in a range of different ways and the modular housing project is unique for us in that it has not been a traditional on-site build. “These are ambitious new-style developments providing homes for those who need them most and I am delighted to say both modular housing plots are fully occupied. We are creating a better quality of life for our residents, which is part of our vision for the future of this district.” Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, said: “The UK’s housing shortage needs to be addressed with speed and efficiency, so it’s exciting to see G F Tomlinson and South Kesteven District Council using our Regional Construction framework and innovative modular construction methods to do just that. We take great pride in helping them to deliver a regional first strategy that will be of huge benefit to local communities.”
Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has completed works on an innovative modular housing scheme in Grantham, which is the first of its kind in the region. Delivered for South Kesteven District Council, through the Scape Regional Construction framework, the scheme comprises two modular housing developments valued at a total of £2.1m, which will provide critical social housing to meet the current requirements of the local authority. Works commenced at the two developments – Kinoulton Court and Earlesfield Lane – late last year and the plots were completed in summer. The 2,200 sq. ft. Earlesfield development comprises a block of four one-bedroom semi-detached apartments and Kinoulton Court is a 5,400 sq. ft. housing development comprising 10 one-bedroom apartments split into two blocks – one of which has four one-bedroom apartments and the other, six one-bedroom apartments. Delivered by lorry to site, the houses were fitted onto prepared foundations which include functioning pipe works and electrics. This process ensures that time is saved at the construction stage, with 10 weeks of programme time being saved for this particular scheme, compared to traditional methods. Works on both South Kesteven plots involved clearance of the sites – as Earlesfield was a small car park and Kinoulton Court, underutilised land. Prior to the installation of the modular units by supply chain partner, Premier Modular Ltd, a full enabling groundworks package was required for each plot with foundations, drainage and a protective ground gas membrane. The homes were then roofed and cladded on site, before external works were undertaken to each property including fenced boundaries, landscaped gardens, carparking and footpaths. External elevations were fitted with insulation and brick slips, and all internal finishes were completed by Premier Modular Ltd including UPVC glazing, mechanical and electrical works, plastering, decorations, flooring and commissioning. The traditional timber truss roofs and slate tiling was completed on site due to restrictions with transporting overly large modular building sections through the narrow residential streets. Craig Stopper, framework manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are pleased to have delivered this critical modular housing scheme in the region, to facilitate the fundamental need for social housing for South Kesteven District Council. “The modular housing plots were completed on-time and to a high standard which is a testament to our project teams and local supply chain partners, who have quickly adapted to the new guidelines which have been introduced as a result of the pandemic, to ensure safe working and social distancing on site. “We are certainly seeing an increase in the demand for modular construction as an energy efficient, comprehensive solution for social housing, that provides high-quality, affordable, easily accessible and adaptable accommodation. As modular sites are relatively unaffected by environmental delays such as bad weather – less logistical transport is required for materials which is more environmentally friendly and generates less waste.” SKDC Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, Cllr Robert Reid, said: “We are building new homes in a range of different ways and the modular housing project is unique for us in that it has not been a traditional on-site build. “These are ambitious new-style developments providing homes for those who need them most and I am delighted to say both modular housing plots are fully occupied. We are creating a better quality of life for our residents, which is part of our vision for the future of this district.” Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, said: “The UK’s housing shortage needs to be addressed with speed and efficiency, so it’s exciting to see G F Tomlinson and South Kesteven District Council using our Regional Construction framework and innovative modular construction methods to do just that. We take great pride in helping them to deliver a regional first strategy that will be of huge benefit to local communities.”
Midlands-contractor G F Tomlinson is due to start highway infrastructure works this August as part of the £2.4million re-development of a mixed-use business park site in Skegness for Lincolnshire County Council, via the Scape Regional Construction framework. Works at the Skegness Industrial Estate located to the west of the town, close to main routes such as the A52 include the construction of a new highway link to join up two parts of the existing industrial estate, which will allow for the expansion of the park site onto the surrounding agricultural land. The preparation works will enable the current site to be more easily accessible for multiple business functions in future, to accommodate speculative builds or purpose-built units for a range of private clients, including local seasonal companies in Skegness for storage needs. As well as a new 4,000m2 access road, there will also be a foul water pump station that will service the land, as well as water and electric service ducts to allow services to be easily brought onto the site in future and LED street lighting to current standards. Expected to be complete in spring 2021, the redeveloped business park site will span six hectares, which includes the current existing main industrial site and surrounding road infrastructure that is being opened up for future development. G F Tomlinson has worked on numerous projects for Lincolnshire County Council in the past, including heritage works for Lincoln Castle and in the education sector – the refurbishment of school buildings at Lincoln Castle Academy and Monks Abbey Primary School, the construction of a new two storey Science and ICT building at Walton High School in Grantham, as part of its expansion and transition from an all-girls school to a coeducational secondary school, and the refurbishment of the disused former Mablethorpe Tennyson High School, to create the Springwell Alternative Academy in Mablethorpe. Managing director of G F Tomlinson, Andy Sewards, said: “We’re delighted to announce the commencement of infrastructure works this August for the redevelopment of the existing business park site in Skegness. The works will ensure accessibility to the site and existing industrial estate and will facilitate potential for economic development for the town, providing quality space with access to agricultural land for a number of businesses in the vicinity, or for those looking to relocate to the Skegness area. “We have a solid, longstanding relationship with our client, Lincolnshire County Council, and have worked with them for numerous projects and developments since 2012 when we did the first of the waste transfer stations. We look forward to seeing this project through from its summer start to finish, which is expected at the beginning of next year.” Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The expansion of the business park is a big confidence boost for our coast. Diversifying the economy in the area will provide more year-round employment as well as allowing local businesses to expand or re-locate. “The site will be suitable for a wide range of business needs and usage, including purpose-built units for many different companies, and will encourage future investment. By boosting investment and creating jobs, there will be benefits throughout the wider area.” Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, said: “G F Tomlinson has a long-standing relationship with Lincolnshire County Council and it is great to see that they are utilising the speed and efficiency of the Regional Construction framework for the infrastructure works at the Skegness Industrial Estate, ensuring it is fit for expansion will bring investment to the local area, helping with the town’s economic recovery and future development.”
Construction works have started to create a new neighbourhood centre and residential apartments at Blythe Valley Park in Solihull. Led by Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson, the works will involve the construction of four new mixed-use high quality apartment buildings at Blythe Valley Park – as part of client IM Properties’ strategic vision to create a sustainable, mixed-use community in this area of the West Midlands where people can live and work. Blythe Valley Park is a 1.2 million sq. ft development, surrounded by 122 acres of scenic parkland, and the addition of the neighbourhood centre will create a new focal point and seamlessly connect the growing residential and commercial community. The business park employs 3,500 people and is home to many leading businesses including a range of high-profile brands such as Gymshark, Lounge, Cooper Parry, Siemens and Zenith. The £7.5m development is expected to complete in spring 2021 and the new mixed-use buildings will feature 48 one and two-bedroom apartments, 25 per cent of which will be managed in partnership with Bromford Homes to offer affordable housing at the location. Two of the ground floor buildings will become modern retail spaces and will include an eatery and community convenience store, as well as a further retail unit, creating additional jobs in the area. There will also be level access to all four buildings, to accommodate disabled members of the community. Andy Sewards, managing director at G F Tomlinson said: “We’re thrilled to be working with IM Properties to create an integral new element of the sustainable, mixed-use scheme at Blythe Valley Park, which is delivering a significant number of new homes and jobs to boost the local economy.” “This is an exciting project to add to our residential portfolio and we’re looking forward to handing over in 2021.” Richard Knight, technical director of IM Properties strategic land division, IM Land said: “The new neighbourhood centre is a significant investment for IM Properties and will help further cement the strong community feel at Blythe Valley Park. We are very happy to have G F Tomlinson on board working with us to deliver this scheme.” Crest Homes and Bloor Homes have also been working on the residential phase since 2018 and continue to progress at the site, with the delivery of up to 750 new homes.
Construction has started on the £3.9m renovation of King Edward VI School in Lichfield, with works being led by Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson for Staffordshire County Council under the Staffordshire Construction framework. This is the second contract secured by G F Tomlinson through the Staffordshire Construction framework for Staffordshire County Council, led by Entrust Property Services – the first being the £5.2m Poppyfields Primary School in Cannock, which was successfully completed last summer within a major housing development in the area. The project involves the design and build of an extension to an existing building and the construction of a new modular building to provide much needed replacement teaching and auxiliary spaces at King Edward VI School. Building on a winning partnership from the successful delivery of the Poppyfields Primary school, G F Tomlinson again appointed Arc Partnership to provide architectural and engineering services for the scheme. Phase one of works at the Lichfield co-educational comprehensive for pupils aged 11 to 18, involves the construction of a new three-storey extension on the site of a former swimming pool, which had been closed for over ten years and was demolished as part of preliminary site-wide enabling works by ENTRUST prior to commencement. The extension will provide replacement teaching and auxiliary spaces, as well as an administration area on the lower ground floor, which will be the location of the school’s new student services area. Completion for this phase is expected in spring 2021. Phase two involves the demolition of existing accommodation and obsolete prefabricated buildings, to be replaced with the construction of a brand new standalone modular structure, providing modern and enhanced science laboratory teaching facilities at the school. Ideal Modular, part of G F Tomlinson’s existing supply chain, has been appointed to deliver the modular element of this project. Works for phase two are expected to be completed in winter 2020. During the course of the construction works, G F Tomlinson is looking to engage with both staff and students of the school. The site management team will perform virtual live site tours for the school to report project progress and allow them to raise any queries they have. Once government guidelines allow it, the contractor also plans to carry out regular site tours and school assemblies, as well as communicating the project’s progress through meetings with the school. Regular newsletters will also be distributed to the school and local residents. Chris Flint, director of G F Tomlinson, said: “We are pleased to be able to commence construction works for our client Staffordshire County Council, particularly in the current climate. The works will maximise space and upgrade the existing buildings at King Edward VI School. These important renovations will optimise teaching spaces and improve the overall educational experience for students and staff. “It has been rewarding to engage with Entrust Property Services again and we look forward to working for them and Staffordshire County Council to deliver this project, whilst continuing to build strong relationships with Arc Partnership and our other local supply chain partners over the course of both phases.” County Councillor Philip White, cabinet member for learning and skills said: “These works are being completed to ensure the site can accommodate an increased demand for pupil places at the school, as a result of new housing in and around the city. Once finished, the work will enable the school to expand by 150 pupils. “We have been planning for this for a while, and construction is taking place over the course of a year to minimise disruption as much as possible. I’m sure pupils and teachers will enjoy using the brand-new accommodation in September 2021.” John Doherty, CEO of Entrust Support Services, said: “We are proud to see works commence at King Edward VI School following ENTRUST’s master planning of a multifaceted brief across a split campus. This is a complex project which we are proudly project managing with our preferred contractor and we look forward to working with G F Tomlinson, Staffordshire County Council and the school to complete it. Once finished, these new teaching spaces will benefit the school and its pupils well into the future.” Jane Rutherford, headteacher at King Edward School said “With additional students joining us each year, this project will provide all our students and staff with access to improved facilities. We are looking forward to seeing the project completed during the coming academic year”. Staffordshire County Council is leading the project, with project management from ENTRUST, G F Tomlinson acting as main contractors, and Arc partnership acting as architect and structural engineer.
Construction work on the long-awaited Tower Gardens Pavilion is now complete, bringing new inclusive community facilities to Skegness. Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson delivered the design and construction of the building via the Scape Regional Construction framework, for Skegness Town Council. Works to transform the disused site began in May 2019 following the demolition of the existing Tower Gardens Pavilion, most recently occupied as the Inn on the Park public house – which closed in 2007. The original pavilion dates back to 1879, and historically provided the town’s largest dance, party and concert accommodation. Now a mixed-use community building, the development features a multi-purpose function room and event space, a changing places hygiene suite, Council offices and a café. The new facilities will be enjoyed by the local community and tourists alike – as part of the Council’s ambition to transform Skegness into an inclusive environment and workplace, as well as a vibrant place to visit. The £1.6million project led by Skegness Town Council has been supported by the community who have been involved throughout the project. This included the design and naming process, which was chosen by a local resident thanks to a competition organised by the Council. A 100-year time capsule containing modern-day items also lies at the site, provided by G F Tomlinson and buried by local school children during the build. The Council offices will open in the Tower Gardens Pavilion in April, following the setup of the community Café – Café Dansant, which is expected to open to the general public in May. The name ‘Café Dansant’ dates back to the 1920s and has a known history in Skegness, having originally been a café on Tower Esplanade. The name was chosen following a suggestion by a member of the public who presented an interest in its historic origins. Skegness Town Council is currently looking to recruit a café manager and over the coming months will be working to deliver the Council’s Café Business Plan, develop menus, build the café team and develop community engagement. The café will be an intrinsic part of the new Pavilion and gardens, with revenue helping to offset the costs of the new building and maintain the gardens for all to enjoy. Craig Stopper, framework construction manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We’re thrilled that works on the Tower Gardens Pavilion are now complete, giving a once neglected space in the heart of Skegness a revival. “Throughout the project, we have seen a positive response from the community who have played a huge part in bringing the site back to life. Now complete, we hope it will provide an enjoyable and inclusive space for both local residents and visitors to the seaside town.” Town clerk Steve Larner said: “It is so exciting to actually have the building and know the Council’s plans are coming to life. For us though, it is where the hard work begins as we have to turn plans and visions into reality. This building is simply a fantastic resource for the community, with the café and hall looking amazing. Everyone here is thrilled to be taking this forward and can’t wait to get the building open later this year.” Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, said: “The way we use public spaces has significantly changed in the recent past. By replacing the derelict Tower Gardens Pavilion, Skegness Town Council is creating a community space that will meet the needs of many and bring investment to the local area. By procuring through the Scape framework the project was effectively delivered with speed, efficiency and socio-economics at its heart.” G F Tomlinson delivered the Tower Gardens Pavilion project alongside Gleeds and Core Architects.
CONSTRUCTION company G F Tomlinson has officially started work on a pioneering £23 million project on behalf of the University of Nottingham to expand its Centre for Biomolecular Sciences. A ground-breaking event took place on 4 April to mark the beginning of the scheme that will deliver a state-of-the-art research facility to help identify new breakthroughs in the treatment and diagnosis for serious diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular, liver, bone and respiratory conditions. The 65,000 sq ft flexible research centre will be housed across five floors and will feature world-class laboratories and research space for 350 academics, researchers and PHD students, as well as bringing together experts currently located across six university sites. The new centre – which is due to open in late 2019 – will be located on the University Park Campus and will benefit from thermal insulation, rooftop plantrooms, photovoltaic panels and brise soleil sun screens. Two link bridges will also be created on the third floor to connect the new building to the existing Centre for Biomolecular Sciences (CBS) building and adjacent Boots Science building. Andy Sewards, managing director for G F Tomlinson said: “We’re proud to be working with the University of Nottingham again to deliver another flagship project to improve specialist research facilities; the research taking place at this centre will eventually lead to improving the lives of people affected by serious diseases. “We recently delivered the Advanced Manufacturing Building on the university’s Jubilee Campus and this development builds on our reputation for delivering high quality, sustainable buildings within the higher education sector. “This building’s sustainable features will help it to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, meaning that it will meet strict industry standards for eco-efficiency which will help keep running costs low and protect the environment.” The expansion marks the third phase of a development by the university to satisfy demands for Biomolecular research accommodation. Several of the research groups being housed in the new facility are: Division of Cancer and Stem Cells in the School of Medicine, the Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Group, the Cancer Pathogenesis Research Group in the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, researchers from the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre, the Division of Respiratory Medicine in the School of Medicine, the Division of Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies in the School of Pharmacy. The building will also house the newly created Centre for Cancer Sciences (CCS), which will take a pioneering approach to create a new centre of excellence in the detection and treatment of cancer. The project team includes Buro Four and architects Benoy. Find out more about G F Tomlinson at www.gftomlinson.co.uk or join the conversation at @GFTomlinson.
