Southend's economy is set to receive a much needed boost after Wates Construction was appointed main contractor for The Forum, the town's new library and learning facility.

Wates emerged from a rigorous procurement process as the successful bidder for the ground-breaking project, one of the first of its kind in the country.

And the firm's appointment will bring immediate benefits for south east Essex as it has pledged to source as much labour and materials from the local area as possible.

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Wates has committed to sourcing up to 75 per cent of its supply chain partners for the prestigious project from within a 50-mile radius of Southend.

It will also provide four apprenticeships, stage ‘community days’ in the area and host 70 work experience days for local students and school pupils.

The firm has also pledged to stage a training event where it will recruit local unemployed people to a two-week training course with the hope of finding them work or further training opportunities.

The £27 million Forum scheme is a joint enterprise between Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, the University of Essex and South Essex College of Further & Higher Education.

Due to be completed in August 2013, The Forum was given the green light by planners in August last year and will be built on the site of the former Farringdon Car Park.

(CD/GK)