Bam Construction to build Plymouth's 10€m IT hub
By Plymouth Herald | Posted: April 01, 2015
By WILLIAM TELFORD, Business Editor
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BAM Construction has been chosen to build the 10€million IT hub at Plymouth Science Park.
The firm has been announced as preferred bidder for the design and construction of the project, which is due to start on site in autumn 2015.
Planned to open early in 2017, the 27,000sq ft development is designed to be a striking building announcing the entrance to Plymouth Science Park.
Bam's proposals will deliver the design and building works faster than originally planned but to the same budget cost.
In addition to this, a significant element of the selection process was the local offer and the proposals from Bam will ensure 80 per cent of the works contracts are placed in the Plymouth and surrounding economy.
Even the method of structuring the build has considered the local supply chain so local specialist sub-contractors have the opportunity to supply the project.
The firm is also committed to creating apprenticeships for city people.
Bam is using architects HLM, based in the Royal William Yard, along with structural and civil engineering consultants Hydrock and Hulley & Kirkwood, services engineers.
The proposed building will provide high-quality flexible office space for up to 200 people with its design incorporating units of a variety of sizes to cater for the rapid growth that IT business often experience.
The hub is also intended to offer the best ICT infrastructure in the city.
With a focus on digital innovation, development and capability, it will deliver superfast broadband connectivity, network resilience and access to Plymouth Science Park's Level 3 Data Centre.
PSP aims to attract ambitious businesses from the South West as well as enticing firms to relocate to Plymouth, and the new facility will offer a quality environment that will be attractive to these companies.
It will create space for companies that outgrow their existing PSP premises and will generate opportunities for Plymouth University's growing number of IT graduates.
Simon Chamberlain, PSP chair, said: "Our vision is for our IT hub to enable Plymouth to compete nationally and internationally as a centre for high-tech businesses.
"This ambitious project needs a contractor with the right attitude to support us in delivering for an up and coming market, so we are delighted to announce Bam as our preferred bidder for the design and construction."
PSP is a joint venture between Plymouth University and Plymouth City Council and is part of the Growth Acceleration and Investment Network (GAIN).
It has supported more than 200 businesses since it opened nearly 20 years ago and is now home to a community of more than 70 businesses employing more than 800 people.
Bam is no stranger to winning high-worth contracts in Plymouth.
The firm built the 11€million Plymouth University Technical College, in Devonport.
It has also started work on a 12€million Plymouth University medical development in Truro.