18/6/2007 - Waterfront development project scoops regional award

Barrow waterfront development

The multi-million pound transformation of the port area of Barrow-in-Furness, now known as The Waterfront, has won a prestigious regional construction award.

The pioneering development of the project, which has seen early involvement of the scheme's contractors Alfred McAlpine, has secured a North West Regional Construction Award for Best Practice. 

The £18m development of The Waterfront business park and new access road will provide much-needed industrial and commercial development land for Barrow-in-Furness. The nearby Furness Business Park, which was also developed by Cumbria County Council, is now almost full.

Councillor Tim Heslop, cabinet spokesman for economic well-being and regeneration, said: "I am delighted that the hard work that has gone into this project to date has been recognised and I look forward to seeing the first stage of development commence this summer. 

"I am particularly pleasured that Alfred McAlpine are using local labour for this project and in doing so, will leave behind a team with enhanced skills."

Michael Baker, Regeneration Manager at West Lakes Renaissance, said: "The Waterfront Business Park will eventually provide over 1,500 new high skill jobs and is central to West Lakes Renaissance's delivery of The Waterfront Barrow in Furness masterplan.

"The business park has huge potential to boost the local economy and therefore a significant emphasis is placed on engaging local companies in the supply chain needed to make this exciting development a reality.

"West Lakes Renaissance has insisted on the use of best practice methods of procurement for this development and we are delighted that the work of the project team has been recognised by this award."

Dave Hill, Project Director for Alfred McAlpine said: "Alfred McAlpine has been working alongside the client team on the Waterfront Project since July 2006, through Early Contractor Involvement. A co-operative approach has delivered significant savings and benefits to the project. It has been hard work for all parties involved and to gain some recognition prior to construction commencing is extremely rewarding."

Alan Webb, Senior Engineer for Capita Symonds said: "Capita Symonds are justifiably proud of our involvement in the Waterfront project. Our designers have worked closely with the County Council, West Lakes Renaissance and Alfred McAlpine Project Services to plan a scheme that will provide significant benefits to Barrow. 

"This is a project which demonstrates the best of effective partnership working. We've also worked hard to ensure that the local community, suppliers and contractors will be involved in the scheme and benefit from it and look forward to working with all partners to deliver the project on the ground." 

ENDS

Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337

Notes

1. The picture shows (from left to right) Dave Hill (Project Director for Alfred McAlpine(; Antony Hill (presenting the award on behalf of North West Regional Construction Award adjudication panel); Jim White (Programme Manager Cumbria County Council); Paul King (Project Director for Capita Symonds); and Dennis Laird (Project Manager for West Lakes Renaissance).

2. Follow the link below to view a summary of the award.

Follow this link to view a summary of the award