Hugh Baird block handed over

Work has finished on a £5.5m education building at Hugh Baird College in Bootle after a 12-month construction period.

Construction services consultancy Turner & Townsend provided project management, cost management and CDM co-ordinator services for the new build project which was funded from the college's own reserves.

The main contractor, Wates Construction, was supported by civil and structural engineer Curtins Consulting and architect IBI Taylor Young.

The mechanical and electrical installations were overseen by Turner & Townsend's supply chain partner Waterman Building Services. The contractor for the new development was procured through the North West Construction Hub framework on a design-and-build basis.

Pat Farrell, responsible for corporate and capital development at the college, said: "It enables us to extend our work place development and higher education programmes. We are particularly pleased that ahead of the final phase handover we are in and using the building, hosting events that support the growth of the local economy."

This week Hugh Baird College hosted a forum of the Mersey Maritime Group in the new block during which plans for the Liverpool SuperPort were discussed. The college intends to provide courses that provide the skills and training for the future SuperPort workforce.

Martin Perryman, director of Turner & Townsend's Manchester office, said: "This project presented a number of challenges to bring to fruition and the fact that the resulting building is already being recognised as a beacon development in the region is testament to what can be achieved with a collaborative approach from all parties. The client is delighted and we will take many positive lessons into our future projects."