Council Announces Award of Construction Contract for New HQ

Wyre Forest District Council has announced that the construction contract for its new HQ has been awarded to Thomas Vale Construction plc. The contract is worth £6.9m.

Ian Miller, Chief Executive of the Council, said

“There was strong competition for the construction contract, and in the final stage we received several tenders that were below the budget we had allowed for the construction work. The outcome of the tender process means that the overall budget for this capital project can be reduced by over £600k, from £10.5m to £9.9m.

“The new building will reduce the carbon emissions from our office accommodation by 85% which is a significant saving. It will also provide revenue savings of £500,000 year on year which will save taxpayers money and can be directed into front-line services.

“The award of the contract supports the Council’s priority of securing the economic prosperity of the district. Thomas Vale Construction’s own headquarters are in Stourport-on-Severn. Its existing network of local suppliers and sub-contractors should mean that the economic effect of this expenditure will be felt strongly in the area, and the company has shown a very strong commitment to using local labour. We will work together to secure the maximum benefit for local businesses and residents in terms of jobs, training opportunities and supply contracts.”

Tony Hyde, Group Managing Director of Thomas Vale Group plc, said:

“Thomas Vale Construction is absolutely delighted to have won this contract following a rigorous and competitive tendering process. It continues a long relationship with our local council stretching back over a century.

The company was the main contractor for the present Civic Centre in Stourport-on-Severn in the 1960s, and we are very pleased to be involved now in the creation of modern, flexible offices for the council that are fit for the 21^st century.

“This project will create economic benefits that make a real difference to the local community. These include up-skilling and retraining initiatives, work experience placements and partnerships with local colleges and schools which will be delivered both on site and at Thomas Vale's training facilities in Oldington."

Picture shows (from left to right) R Ian Miller Chief Executive Wyre Forest District Council with Tony Hyde Group Managing Director Thomas Vale Group plc.

Date of issue - 12th April 2011