Morgan Sindall appointed to ‘inspiring’ Accrington transformation
Hyndburn Council has chosen the contractor to revitalise the town’s centre through the redevelopment of three heritage sites – the Victorian Market Hall, Market Chambers, and Burtons Chambers.
Morgan Sindall will deliver the initial stages of the Accrington Town Square scheme, with enabling works set to start imminently in order to ready the site for major refurbishments to begin next year.
The AEW Architects-designed project will see the town’s Market Chambers refurbished and converted into a cultural, arts, and heritage venue following a consultation on the plans in June.
Accrington’s Burton Chambers will also be repurposed to create a modern co-working space with a dedicated events area, while the Market Hall will be transformed into a food and drink venue.
Funding for the project has been secured through the council’s successful Levelling Up bid for £20m, along with additional matching contributions from Lancashire Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
READ: Levelling Up Fund: North West secures £355m
Morgan Sindall’s appointment to the development follows Hyndburn Council’s acquisition of the Market Chambers through a compulsory purchase order in June.
The firm was appointed to the scheme through SCAPE Construction, a direct award framework designed to drive collaboration, efficiency, time, and cost savings on construction projects. As part of this framework, Morgan Sindall will deliver a targeted social value programme throughout construction by maximising the use of local supply chain partners and labour.
Original building materials will also be retained and reused where possible, while at the same time the amount of operational carbon produced by the new facilities will be reduced.
Mark Robinson, chief executive at SCAPE Group, said: “This is a fantastic project, which will make use of a strong local supply chain to revitalise and reimagine some of the most historic sites in the North West.
“These new facilities are going to boost the local and regional economy, create new jobs, and ensure a positive, sustainable legacy is created in Accrington that will be felt for years to come.”
Simon Arnott, managing director for Morgan Sindall’s North West region, added: “At Morgan Sindall we are committed to helping create stronger and more resilient communities.
“Hyndburn Council has developed an inspiring vision for the future of Accrington, built around a town square that will have significant social and economic benefits for the local community.”
The Accrington works form Morgan Sindall’s latest project in Lancashire, having been appointed earlier this year to build the University of Central Lancashire’s new veterinary school.
