Scarborough sticks with BCEGI after mulling contractor switch  

The China-backed construction company will build phase three of the £1bn scheme after the developer had looked set to appoint GMI Construction. 

Last year, Place North West reported that GMI was in line to build the 189-home third phase at Middlewood Locks, replacing BCEGI, which had delivered the first two phases, comprising 1,117 homes. 

Planning documents submitted to Salford City Council at that time suggested GMI was close to being appointed. The documents, complete with GMI branding, were lodged “to reflect a change in contractor”, according to council correspondence. 

However, Scarborough Group International has now opted to stick with BCEGI instead of appointing GMI.

“This appointment is an important step in continuing the delivery of our vision for Middlewood Locks,” said Kevin McCabe, chairman of Scarborough Group International.  

“Our relationship with BCEGI stretches back over seven years. Our mutual respect, admiration and commitment to excellence made BCEGI the obvious construction partner for Middlewood Locks.” 

When asked by Place North West why the developer had decided not to formally appoint GMI, Scarborough declined to comment. GMI was contacted for comment.

Phase three of Middlewood Locks is known as the Railings and features 176 apartments in two blocks. In addition, there will be seven three to four-bedroom townhouses along with six mews houses. 

The project will also feature 5,150 sq ft of ground floor commercial and retail accommodation with an additional 5,000 sq ft of offices. 

Work on the Railings is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2022 and complete in 2024.   

Dongwen YU, lead director at BCEGI, said: “The recent completion of phase two is a significant moment for Middlewood Locks as well as a great achievement for BCEGI in what has been an extremely challenging time for the construction industry. We are thrilled to be, once again, an integral part of what is one of Greater Manchester’s most significant projects.” 

The wider 25-acre Middlewood Locks will provide a total of 2,215 new homes and 900,000 sq ft of commercial space once complete. 

Last year, the developer lodged plans for two towers of 32 and 28 storeys comprising 659 apartments. 

The project is being delivered by FairBriar International, a joint venture in which Scarborough holds a 50% stake, with Metro Holdings of Singapore and Hualing Group of China controlling 25% each.