Member Article

Community garden blossoms as Morgan Sindall Construction completes work on regeneration scheme

Morgan Sindall Construction’s Eastern Counties team has celebrated the completion of work for Great Yarmouth Borough Council to provide residents of the Middlegate housing estate with a new communal garden and outdoor play areas.

Across the estate a number of play areas were tired, and the pre-existing Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) had been identified by the local community as the source of anti-social behaviour. The former MUGA area now forms part of 2,500 sq. m of new green space to be enjoyed by the surrounding residents. In addition, three new play areas were replaced and enhanced with new seating and improved lighting.

Looking to celebrate its completion, residents along with the Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Councillor Graham Plant, and local councillors including Councillor Flaxman-Taylor, Councillor Robinson-Payne, Councillor Wright and Councillor Jeal all attended the formal opening of the new areas, as well as, Chief Executive of Great Yarmouth Borough Council Sheila Oxtoby.

This was the third community-engagement event to take place throughout the project’s duration, with residents previously invited down to engage with the project in a fun and informal setting. As well as being educated on the importance of health and safety on building sites, the children also heard from the local police regarding anti-social behaviour. They also got involved in some of the painting works and enjoyed a number of free ice creams that were provided. The second event saw volunteers from Morgan Sindall, the contractors involved in the works, Council staff and councillors undertake painting of garden fences and shed doors as well as planting bulds,

Procured through the SCAPE Construction framework, Middlegate community gardens is the first project Morgan Sindall Construction has delivered in the Eastern Counties since being appointed to the national framework last year.

Warren Salmons, Morgan Sindall Construction’s Eastern Counties Business Development Manager, said: “The whole of the Eastern Counties team is proud to have delivered its first project procured through SCAPE and, with a strong pipeline of activity, we look forward to delivering more in the future all across the region.

“This project’s main goal, like all others Morgan Sindall Construction complete, was to create genuine social value where it is most needed for the benefit of the local community. Through engaging with the local community, council and police we have not only fulfilled that goal in the finished work, but also throughout the whole project.”

Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE, added: “Place as a route to stronger, healthier communities is vital. This consultative regeneration project has enabled a green space that will be of great value to residents in Great Yarmouth and provides an inclusive, outdoor environment to be enjoyed. SCAPE is pleased to have been able to accelerate the delivery of this project through our Construction Framework.”

Emma Flaxman-Taylor, chair of the Housing and Neighbourhood committee at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “It’s great to have the new wheelchair accessible play ship installed as part of work to improve a number of play areas and create a new shared secure communal garden in the Middlegate Estate. I know all of our residents will really enjoy and appreciate the improvements to their area.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by John Robson .