The leader of Havering Council, Damian White, with Hugh Jeffery, from Wates Residential, at the construction site in December (credit: Havering Council)
The ’12 estates’ regeneration programme will start with Napier and Newplymouth House, in Rainham, which will provide 197 affordable new homes.
Over the next 12 to 15 years, more than 3,500 homes are expected to be built for local people as part of the wider scheme.
Essex Services Group, based in Romford, will provide mechanical, electrical and plumbing services after being awarded a £7.5 million contract.
It will include the installation of sprinklers, fire detection and smoke control systems, security, lighting and water treatment.
The group has agreed to support Havering College with construction skills workshops and site visits for students.
It will also employ four local apprentices to work on the Napier and New Plymouth House site.
“As a trusted brand with a 45-year history in the borough, we are passionate about every project that we deliver and have maintained a strong family business ethos,” said Gary Dew, operations director of Essex Services Group.
“This includes working closely with local colleges and schools, including the Centre of Excellence at Havering College.”
Skyline, based in Rainham, has been appointed to supply three tower cranes for the duration of the works on the site while JW Grey, headquartered in Wickford, will install the scheme’s lightning protection system.
Elliot Modular Group, from Thurrock, has also been contracted to supply 28 modular cabins to be used for site accommodation.
Havering Council is encouraging other local businesses to join its Supply Chain Initiative. Businesses that sign up are updated about upcoming opportunities in the borough.
“This is another great example of how Council-led regeneration gives us more control over not only the type of development taking place but also how we can maximise the potential benefits for our talented local businesses and residents,” said leader of Havering Council, Cllr Damian White.
“I am committed to ensuring that our joint ventures bring with them substantial investment in the local economy, creating new opportunities for local people to grow their businesses and help shape the regeneration of our borough.”
Hugh Jeffery, regional development director for Wates Residential, said: “We are committed to increasing opportunities for local residents through our presence in the borough.
“This includes involving them throughout the entire build process and ensuring that procurement across each of our developments offers opportunities for local businesses to flourish.
“We are actively seeking to work with talented businesses and individuals from across the borough to help us deliver this exciting programme of work alongside Havering Council and are delighted to have entered into partnership with more local businesses on the Napier and New Plymouth House scheme.”
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