Balfour Beatty has been appointed by City College Plymouth to refurbish and remodel the college’s existing engineering facilities. The £3 million design and build contract will create new open plan workshops within which engineering, fabrication, welding and automotive trades will be taught in trade clusters. The scheme is being built on a live, occupied site requiring careful coordination of construction activities around the college timetable.
As part of its commitment to supporting local communities, Balfour Beatty will support college students studying construction and engineering with their further education and career development throughout the contract duration. Engagement activities began with a Technology, Engineering and Construction Open Day designed to promote apprenticeship and career opportunities across the industry. The event was attended by over 550 people, with 30 potential apprentices interviewed for placements amongst Balfour Beatty’s supply chain partners.
Balfour Beatty’s project manager, Barry Doidge, commented: “It was fantastic to see so many young people attending and their enthusiasm made the whole event very worthwhile.”
Construction of the new engineering facilities is due for completion in time for the next academic year with a BREEAM Very Good rating.
This recent contract award endorses Balfour Beatty’s growing presence in Plymouth’s educational sector. Working as principal contractor at Plymouth College of Art Mansell, a Balfour Beatty brand, recently celebrated the completion of the first phase of a project to expand the college’s capacity. 2,034 square metres of cutting-edge workshop space is being built for use by students, staff and visiting artists.
Mansell has also recently been appointed to construct the new Marine & Dive Centre for University of Plymouth, highlighting the company’s position as a key player in shaping the education landscape within the City.
