B&K takes on Salford PRS scheme from Carillion
Bowmer & Kirkland has stepped in to finish English Cities Fund’s second build-to-rent block at New Bailey following the collapse of previous contractor Carillion.
Following Carillion’s collapse last month, ECf said “the vast majority of works” at the 135-home development were already complete, and added it was “working closely with our partners, consultants, and subcontractors to identify the best solution to continue and complete works with as minimal delay as possible”.
At the time, ECf said the project was around eight weeks from completion.
It is understood that B&K has offered to complete the project, and is looking to finish the external envelope and interiors. However, sources close to the project said the timetable before completion is now more than the eight weeks initially suggested by ECf.
The first block, named The Slate Yard, was completed by Carillion last summer, and the contractor was due to complete the second phase earlier this year. The first phase had a development value of £16m and was backed by forward funding from Legal & General.
Following the second block, two further buildings are planned for the development along the River Irwell. Carillion was understood to be in negotiations for the third block at the time of its collapse, although it was never officially chosen as main contractor.
A planning application for this block, including 199 apartments, was approved last year. All three have been designed by AHR Architects, and the professional team also includes Walker Sime as quantity surveyor.
Plans have not yet been revealed for the fourth block.
Bowmer & Kirkland has previously delivered the £50m One New Bailey for ECF, and is also working on the nearby 188,500 sq ft Two New Bailey office development for the developer. Enabling works on the project started late last year.
English Cities Fund is a joint venture between Muse Developments, the Homes & Communities Agency and Legal & General.
Bowmer & Kirkland confirmed it would be taking on the work when contacted by Place North West. English Cities Fund declined to comment.
very brave to take on even at that stage!
By realist
Realist, not brave at all, they know the client and it’s good for Manchester – get on board.
By Jason Faversham
@Jason have they inspected and certified all elements of the existing build work and will they provide the post-build warranty? What does the contract look like?
By realist