Farrans set to begin construction on two London projects
Farrans is set to add to its growing design and build portfolio in England this month as it begins two London projects, in contracts worth more than £33m.
Barnfield College in Luton will be transformed as part of a wider £25m redevelopment. Farrans has been appointed on a £17m construction contract which will deliver a new four storey, prestigious building complete with central atrium and modern teaching facilities for further education. In addition to providing a 6,000 sqm further education facility, which will accommodate skills delivery for mainstream employment sectors and specialist skills in digital and engineering, it will allow for the expansion of learning provision in space better suited to modern courses.
South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) has provided £4.75m of project funding as part of the Getting Building Fund (GBF) which aims to support the UK’s economic recovery following the COVID-19 crisis. The programme funds local, ready to start infrastructure projects which will help local businesses, people and places to thrive.
In Camden, Farrans will begin a £16.5m redevelopment of the existing Highgate Newtown Community Centre and Fresh Youth Academy. The project will deliver vital new community services in state-of-the-art facilities including a new community centre, café and gardens alongside 41 new homes, with affordable homes that will be available at Camden Living Rent.
Work will commence in March 2021 and last for 60 weeks.
Cathal Montague, regional director for Farrans, said: “We are looking forward to starting work on both Barnfield College and Highgate Newtown Community Centre, both of which will further grow our presence in London. As a company we have developed a strong reputation as experts in the education and residential sectors. We have recently completed Ruislip High School and we are currently onsite on Kings College London, a complex project in the city centre. In the residential sector we are currently delivering high rise developments in Coventry and Bristol city centres.
“Employment and training are key components of our social commitments on all of our projects. We have an excellent track record of working with clients and communities to realise wider project benefits including the creation of sustainable employment, training and skills development to leave a lasting legacy.”
Cllr Danny Beales, Cabinet Member for Investing in Communities, Culture and an Inclusive Economy, said: “We look forward to beginning the redevelopment of Highgate Newtown Community Centre and providing residents with vital new community services in state-of-the-art facilities. A new community centre, youth centre, community café and garden, public square and spaces for local groups will be delivered alongside much-needed new homes, including Camden Living Rent homes available for key workers.”
Gill Worgan, Principal and CEO of West Herts College said: “We are pleased to continue our relationship with Farrans following the recent completion of a new Construction and Engineering Center in Hemel Hempstead. The quality of the construction is excellent and the Centre will provide skills training for local people and businesses for many years to come. Farrans has a strong track record of providing our students with on-site work experience opportunities and we look forward to working with them to provide the same opportunities for our students in Luton.”