The design and build contract to construct a new leisure centre in Witham has been awarded by Braintree District Council to Barr Construction.
Building looks set to commence in spring 2013 following further detailed design and on site surveys scheduled for the New Year.
Cllr Joanne Beavis, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “We’re very pleased to have Barr Construction on board. As one of the UK’s leading design and construction companies, they have an excellent track record in design and construction of sports and leisure centres and we are confident they will deliver a high quality leisure facility to the town that will attract even more people to lead healthier, fitter lifestyles.”
Local people, clubs and interest groups will be able to keep track of the progress of the construction via Barr’s project website and project newsletters.
Barclay Chalmers, Managing Director of Barr Construction said: “This is a very prestigious contract and this appointment demonstrates Barr Construction’s growing reputation in the sports and leisure sector.
“We are extremely proud to be playing such a significant role in delivering a first-class sporting facility which will be warmly welcomed by the local community in Witham as well as athletes from across the Essex area.
“We will be seeking to engage with local sub-contractors wherever possible and look forward to starting work on site in early 2013.”
The £9.5 million project to construct the new leisure centre, originally scheduled to start in November 2012 will begin in the spring of 2013 (subject to section 77 consent). This re-schedule was the consequence of recent changes in legislation which demanded that the Council sought additional consents from central government to acquire the site. The new Witham Leisure Centre is now due to open in summer 2014.
