'Truly amazing' is how the construction site for the Plymouth Life Centre has been described in a new report published by the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS).

The project's main contractor Balfour Beatty was praised during a third inspection of the £46.5 million scheme and achieved a total score of 38.5 out of 40 in the resulting assessment. It was awarded a maximum five points (exceptional measures taken) in five out of eight categories – 'considerate', 'environment', 'a good neighbour', 'responsible' and 'accountable'.

Balfour Beatty scored 4.5 points (high level beyond compliance) in each of the other three categories – 'appearance', 'respectful' and 'safety'. The reports inspector recognised that 'extremely high safety performances have been achieved'.

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The number of regular meetings with local businesses and the community, schools and colleges were picked out, with more than 1,200 students and 300 groups having visited the site since construction began. Eleven full-time apprentices have been awarded work through the main contractor’s supply chain.

As part of the scheme's Site Code of Considerate Practice, welfare facilities were described as 'some of the best seen in the South West'. It was recognised that the team is going 'beyond best practice' under the CCS and that everyone on site is 'totally on-board'.

The report also highlighted many workers adopting the cycle-to-work scheme, the company's green energy initiative and its emphasis on energy-use reduction methods.

Plymouth City Council Leader Vivien Pengelly, said: "To read this report and some of the glowing comments that have been made by the scheme’s monitor is really satisfying. Balfour Beatty has gone above and beyond what is required in the Considerate Constructors Scheme and that is clear from the observations in the report. Naturally I'm delighted that the whole construction team has worked so hard to deliver this fantastic new facility, which will provide a centre of sporting excellence in the South West."

(CD/GK)