McLaughlin & Harvey has secured the main construction contract for a new City Learning Quarter in Wolverhampton.
The £61 million scheme will create new facilities for City of Wolverhampton College, Adult Education Wolverhampton, and the Central Library, and is being delivered under a Crown Commercial Service framework.
It follows design work under a pre-construction agreement, and site preparation, service diversion and infrastructure works.
The main facility will be at the Old Hall Street and St George’s Parade area of the city, also incorporating a site on the corner of Garrick Street and Bilston Street.
Works are progressing on the first phase of the masterplan, an £8.1 million Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre at the college’s Wellington Road campus, due to complete in July 2024.
The scheme is backed by £5 million from the Towns Fund, £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund, and £22 million from the Department for Education (DfE).
The firm will move on to the city centre site at the end of the year, with the aim to complete by September 2025, in time for the 2025/26 academic year.
Works on the Central Library will be announced in due course.
“After successfully completing our collaboration with the council on the design and preparatory works, McLaughlin & Harvey is delighted to be commencing works as the main contractor on Wolverhampton City Learning Quarter in the coming weeks,” said Shane Greer, McLaughlin & Harvey senior project manager.
“We will be undertaking initial enabling works such as utility diversions, welfare construction and hoarding installation in advance of demolition and piling commencing in the new year.”
Council leader, councillor Stephen Simkins, added: “The City Learning Quarter will have a visible and tangible impact on the City of Wolverhampton and its residents, making a massive difference to everyday life through direct investment in skills and education.
“The new facilities will provide a vital facelift to our city centre and will be an inspirational environment for people to learn in, also offering excellent connectivity to rail, bus, tram and cycle.”
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