Grow on Space project praised as ‘exceptional’

The major project, being built by Harborough District Council in conjunction with Willmott Dixon in Market Harborough, received the highest level of ‘exceptional’ scoring in 4 areas and one area receiving a score of ‘excellent’ by Considerate Constructors Scheme.

The report particularly highlighted the excellent work associated with the construction to bring about benefits to the community – including outreach events for local residents.

As part of the scheme, independent auditors, drawn from senior levels of the various disciplines within the industry monitor sites against the Scheme’s Site Code of Considerate Practice. They highlight areas where improvements are considered necessary and encourage best practice beyond standard industry requirements.

The report finds that, in conjunction with Harborough District Council, “Respect for the community is being shown to an exceptionally good level, with evidence of regular informative engagement with the local community under the project’s Social Value Strategy. Particularly noteworthy is the outreach work promoting digital and physical wellbeing to people aged 60 and over living in two rural locations in Harborough District in conjunction with the client."

The report goes on to praise the project confirming that “Protecting the environment has also received and exceptionally good level of attention, with a large range of effective protective and managerial measures in place at all times. The care taken to protect a birds’ nest that appeared within the building during its construction is a particular instance of the level of care shown."

Leader of the Council and assets portfolio holder, Phil King, said: “The Grow on Space project is already proving a great success as it delivers job prospects and added social value across the District. This report is a welcome reflection of how hard the Council and Willmott Dixon are working to ensure we support our local community at every opportunity.”

The site report finishes with congratulating to all involved for achieving such a high standard of performance across all dimensions of the scheme.

The Grow on Space development, at Compass Point Business Park in Market Harborough, will provide office space for businesses looking to grow and move into larger accommodation in the district.

When complete later in 2019, office suites will be available ranging from 1,000 – 3,000 square feet with flexibility to meet business demand.

The project is anticipated to create around 230 jobs and bring £20 million into the local economy over the next 5 years.

It is being funded by Harborough District Council which is providing up to £3,620,612 the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) which is providing £3,282,500 and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) which is providing £987,833.

If you are interested in securing space for your business in the Grow on Space, please contact: lettings@harborough.gov.uk 

 

 

 

Note to editors

For more information please contact Helen Knight at Harborough District Council at H.Knight@Harborough.gov.uk

European Regional Development Fund

The project is receiving £3,282,500 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.  The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.  For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding

The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP)

The LLEP is a strategic body led by a Board made up of local government and business leaders as well as senior education and third sector representatives.

The LLEP’s remit is to drive forward regeneration and growth of the local economy, by:

• Working with Government to set out key investment priorities for Leicester & Leicestershire
• Engaging with business, local authorities, Higher Education, Further Education, the voluntary sector and other stakeholders
• Facilitating local partnership working and relations with national Government
• Influencing national Government economic policy and spending
• Investing LLEP funding and aligning partner resources
• Through its investments, influence and activities ensure positive outcomes for the local economy