News

Local Suppliers Needed to Deliver New Council Building

Posted on 30/06/2010

Local suppliers can bid for contracts worth up to £5million and help deliver Rochdale’s new Customer Service Centre, Library and Council Offices building.

A ‘Think Local’ event for suppliers to find out more about the contracts available is to take place at Rochdale Town Hall on Thursday 15 July between 5pm and 7pm.

Sir Robert McAlpine has been appointed as the main contractor for the design and build of the landmark riverside development and this event will give local suppliers the chance to meet the contractor and discuss opportunities.

A wide range of skills, services and suppliers are needed to deliver the building, which is due to be completed in 2012, including construction skills such as painting and decorating, carpentry and joinery, electrical and mechanical services, concreting and roofing.

They are also looking for businesses to supply materials and fittings, from steelwork to fixings.

The value of the contracts will vary depending on the nature of the work from as little as £5k up to larger construction projects in excess of £5million.

Sir Robert McAlpine will start construction on the Smith Street site early next year, once VHE have completed remediation of the site, which started a few weeks ago.

Councillor Keith Swift, Rochdale Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Skills and Economic Recovery, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for local businesses. The building promises to be a fantastic development; it will change the skyline forever and anyone involved in bringing it to life will really have something to be proud of.

“The relocation of the Municipal Offices is a key stage in the regeneration of the town centre. When all staff are relocated, the current Municipal Offices along with the bus station and car park and other nearby buildings will be demolished to make way for the retail and leisure development which will completely revitalise the town centre and give workers and staff more great places to shop and spend their free time.”

The landmark building will provide open plan office accommodation for around 2,000 staff from the council and its partner organisations. It will also include a ‘one-stop’ customer service centre and a state-of-the-art public library.

If you would like to go to the ‘Think Local’ event you must register no later than 12 July by calling Rochdale Council’s Corporate Procurement Team on 01706 925479 or e-mail them at corporate.procurement@rochdale.gov.uk