Following the recent planning decision regarding Higher Home Park, Akkeron is ensuring an early start on site by naming Plymouth-based building company Kier Construction as its preferred contracting partner.

One of Akkeron's key criteria for selection of the preferred main contractor was the contractor's willingness to commit to the creation of jobs locally and to support local schools and colleges in developing core construction skills within the City. Kier scored highly against these criteria and, subject to finalising terms, will be appointed as main contractor.

On behalf of Akkeron, Kier Construction is now inviting local trades to potentially work with them on the Higher Home Park project.

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"Kier has a strong Plymouth heritage, having had a base here for 80 years and as the preferred main contractor for the Higher Home Park project, it will be our priority to draw on the skills of the local supply chain in the city," said Kier Construction regional managing director Anthony Irving.

The scheme, which will include a new grandstand, a 10-screen cinema, a 1,500 seat ice rink and a 120-bed hotel, will provide opportunities for all the building trades and Kier is asking businesses to start registering their interest with them.

As part of its contract with the developer Akkeron, Kier is also committed to delivering an ambitious local employment skills plan involving schools and colleges. It will provide as part of the Higher Home Park scheme, trade apprenticeships, placements and work experience for students who are starting out on a career in construction.

"Akkeron invited Kier to work closely with the professional team to develop the designs for this exciting development at Higher Home Park and I am delighted that we have reached the stage where we can now involve local subcontractors, as well as schools and colleges," said Anthony Irving. "It is important that people in Plymouth benefit from the construction of Higher Home Park and that the young people we train during the scheme will go on to build many more great projects in the city."

(CD/JP)