Capita and Barnfield to collaborate on schemes

Capita Symonds and Barnfield Construction have announced a partnership agreement to work together to bring forward developments jointly around the North West.

Both firms are particularly active in Lancashire. Capita Symonds, a national consulting giant with a base in Blackburn, has worked with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council for ten years, on projects such as Darwen Leisure Centre and improvements to Blackburn town centre. It also worked on Lancashire's Building Schools for the Future programme. Nelson-based Barnfield Construction Group has worked on regeneration schemes with Pendle, Hyndburn and Burnley councils.

Martin King, Capita Symonds' design director, said: "Barnfield and Capita Symonds are working together to identify sites, create development opportunities and attract investment from a range of sources. We have already seen interest from some high profile retail and leisure companies who are keen to grow their presence in the North West which has the potential to create many new jobs and discussions are well in advance on several sites."

Gareth Smith, Barnfield Construction's head of regeneration, said: "There was a natural link between the two companies; we both place the communities in which we work at the centre of our plans. This means we truly understand, and respond to, the economic and social challenges facing an area. We don't just design and build to order; we create something based on local aspirations which will help to create jobs and improve communities. As a company we are very passionate about 'Real Regeneration' and this collaboration adds real value to an already prospering sector."

Among Barnfield's current projects is the renovation of a large part of the Weavers Triangle historic canalside area of Burnley town centre into a major mixed-use scheme.