A £2.3 million redevelopment project for an existing bus depot in Wigan has been awarded to Yorkshire building contractor GMI Construction by First in Manchester, part of FirstGroup, one of the world’s biggest surface transportation firms.

The 300,000 sq ft site is based on the South Lancashire Industrial Estate and consists of an existing depot workshop with service pits, a separate office block and additional storage buildings within the secured parameter.

The depot serves as a main hub for buses covering routes across Wigan; which provides vital transport services for the communities in the area. With a total of 140 local bus routes operated by First in Manchester, the new depot will provide a much improved modernised maintenance facility for the fleet of vehicles.

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A range of refurbishment and alteration works will be completed on the depot and office areas, including the formation of a new entrance, vertical inspection pits and a new tyre store. Demolition work will also be carried out to extend the building to accommodate a new fuelling lane and bus wash. Furthermore external works to the site will encompass a new CCTV, security and lighting system.

GMI Construction as the main contractor will be undertaking all the building works. Other members of the team include; DLA Architecture Ltd (architects); RPP (quantity surveyors); Curtins (structural engineers) and Lachmann Consultants (M&E engineers).

Jarrod Best, Managing Director of GMI Construction commented: "Over the years GMI have built up an impressive portfolio of projects covering many different types of construction work. With our existing knowledge on depot facilities having completed other schemes of this nature, I am delighted that we can provide First Manchester with an enhanced site so that they can continue providing an exceptional service to the people of Wigan."

Work on the depot is expected to be completed by summer 2011.

(CD)