Member Article

Caddick Construction in frame for RICS award

A building delivered by Knottingley-based Caddick Construction and NPS Group in a disadvantaged area of Yorkshire has been shortlisted for a prestigious Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Award.

The Hut, a £3.8m, 14,572 sq ft two storey youth, community and leisure centre in Airedale, Castleford, was funded by the Government’s myplace initiative as part of the YORhub framework.

It houses a ten pin bowling alley, sports and performance hall, changing rooms with showers, a café plus conference and office facilities. Outside there is an outdoor gym, climbing wall, AstroTurf pitches and a multi-use games area.

The RICS Community Benefit Award is shortlisted on the interaction between a project and the local community and it showcases the most inspirational regional building initiatives.

Chris Allott, Caddick Construction contracts manager, explained: “In delivering The Hut, the Caddick team were able to get involved with local residents through community consultations and workshops to ensure that together we delivered a facility which truly benefits the area.

“Delivering this project through the YORbuild regional construction framework allowed us to excel in the provision of employment and skills opportunities to members of the local community who were able to get involved in all elements of the project; from conception and design, including innovative arts projects, to construction and ultimately the management of the centre.

“The Hut is in one of the most deprived areas in West Yorkshire and provides local people with leisure facilities and support services to give advice and guidance.

“This was a fantastic project to be a part of and we are delighted to see everyone’s hard work paying off by being shortlisted for this coveted award.”

The Hut in Airedale works with the local community on issues such as alcohol, pregnancy and sexual health, social skills and healthy eating. Since it opened, the local police have noted a reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour in the locality.

The application for funding for the project was led by Wakefield Council, a group of local young people who form the Client Team and local charity Chrysalis Youth.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mark Lane .