South Elmsall construction firm wins £1.2m contract to restore fire-damaged Harrogate building

After a devastating fire in March 2014 on Albert Street in Harrogate, Prezzo and Pizza Express finally reopened last month and the firm that conducted the preliminary works on the restoration of the restaurants has been awarded the contract to repair and rebuild the rest of the property.

Harris Construction Management (HCM), based out of South Elmsall, has been selected by Leeds’ High Point Estates to carry out all of the construction works in a contract worth £1.2 million.

HCM are now contracted to restore 300 square of office accommodation as well as twelve apartments, throughout the first and second floors.

An additional staircase will be added from the ground floor to the first floor of the building and HCM will also reconstruct all common areas.

Furthermore, repair work on the property’s facade, which has been assisted by a temporary supporting structure throughout the duration of the works, will be renewed.

The removal of three severely damaged structural steel beams, which weigh approximately four tonnes each and support the whole of the second floor, also caused temporary road closures.

The building’s restoration is scheduled for completion in August 2015.

Jason Adlam, chief executive at HCM, said: “The major fire which led to the closure of Prezzo and Pizza Express, also damaged the first floor office space and living accommodation on both the first and second floors, with residents having to be immediately evacuated.

“Now that both restaurants are fully operational again we have started work on the redesign and build of the office space and residential apartments.”

Jason adds: “We are delighted to be restoring this historic property which is located in a prominent position just off Station Parade to its former glory. The fire was the largest that Harrogate has experienced since the Majestic Hotel fire in 2010 and caused extensive damage so it’s very rewarding to be involved in ensuring that the businesses and residents can return to work and live here.”

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