A new contractor has been found for a prestigious Yorkshire regeneration project following the shock collapse of PDR Construction.
The Hessle business was working on the final phase of the £17 million Treadmills development in Northallerton, a joint venture between the local authority and Hull’s Wykeland.
The town’s former prison and grounds is being transformed into an up-market cinema, with three new-build restaurants and a civic square being created.
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Moody Construction, already behind the creation of the Centre for Digital Innovation Northallerton tech hub, will now take it forward on behalf of Central Northallerton Development Company Ltd, the delivery vehicle formed by Wykeland and Hambleton District Council.
Board member Jonathan Stubbs, development director of Wykeland, said: “We’re pleased we have been able to put in place a rapid, but also rigorous, process to review progress, consider options for a new contractor and, finally, to appoint Moody Construction.
“This process has ensured we now have in place a new contractor with the capability and capacity to ensure a seamless transition and complete the project, while ensuring value for money.
“Moody Construction has mobilised its existing supply chain and also re-engaged a number of sub-contractors who were working on site before the construction pause. The resumption of works within a short period of time will minimise the impact on the build programme.”
Just under a month of work was lost on site, with PDR calling in administrators and letting go all staff early into the new year.
Already an award-winning regeneration scheme, Treadmills is now set to be fully completed, exactly as previously planned, by this autumn - just a few weeks later than originally scheduled.
The 11,000 sq ft Everyman venue will have four screens, with a total of 276 seats, as well as its own restaurant and licensed bar.
James Moody, construction director of Moody Construction, said: “Following the successful completion of the challenging restoration and conversion of the listed buildings, we are delighted be part of the Treadmills development team again.
“We have been based in Northallerton since our company was founded over 100 years ago and the majority of Moody Construction staff live locally, so there has been a commitment from our pre-construction team to minimise disruption and expedite the complex and rigorous negotiations with a view to seeing progress on site resume as quickly as possible.
“Our project management staff and on-site personnel will now maintain momentum, working with our valued supply chain to complete the fantastic recreational facility to benefit future generations.”
The transformation of the former prison buildings followed delivery of the first phase of Treadmills, which saw the creation of three new-build stores, anchored by Lidl, and a 126-space car park.
It is a second incarnation of C4DI, following success on Hull’s Fruit Market.
Cllr Mark Robson, leader of Hambleton District Council, added: “We are delighted to welcome Moody Construction back on to site – not only are they a Northallerton based business but they have already worked with us, successfully delivering the external restoration and extensive internal redevelopment and modernisation of the Grade II-listed buildings on the Treadmills site.
“Work on the site has only been delayed by a few weeks and we look forward to seeing the new cinema opening to the public. The council is committed to delivering a first class offer at the old prison site – all the current retail units are now occupied, businesses are joining C4DI and students will be on the campus site the spring. The creation of the cinema clearly demonstrates this council’s ambition to developing and enhancing our market town. It’s a very exciting time.”
Treadmills is supported by the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, which secured investment of £1.8 million from the Government’s Local Growth Fund for the redevelopment and fit-out of C4DI and a further £725,000 from the Government’s Getting Building Fund for the eCampus. The final phase of the project is being part-funded with £4.75 million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.
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