Robertson has replaced Carillion as the sub-contractor to deliver the £36 million college project in Tameside.

The collapsed industry services firm had previously been appointed by the local authority to build the Vision Tameside scheme, which comprises of a new 7,000 m2 Advanced Skills Centre for Tameside College, a new Joint Public Service Centre for Tameside Council and its partners, along with retail space for Wilko's.

Based at Wellington Street, on the former site of the Tameside Council administration building in Ashton-under-Lyne, the new facility will provide residents with more cost effective and customer friendly facilities under one roof. In addition, the college development will also provide state-of-the-art educational facilities for students.

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All former Carillion staff on the project have transferred over to Robertson, who have also entered into an eight week Early Works Agreement.

Tameside Council said the priority is to secure the employment of key construction staff, bring subcontractors back on site and agree a new sub contract.

Council Leader Brenda Warrington said: "Getting a new sub-contractor in place has been our top council priority after Carillion went into liquidation. One of our main aims has been to protect the job security of hard-working staff operating on former Carillion contracts.

"Vision Tameside is a key initiative in the area and one we know will provide considerable jobs and growth when it's completed. As a result, we are delighted that Robertson Construction has started work to complete these exciting developments in Tameside."

Dirk Pittaway, Managing Director of Robertson North West, added: "We know that the project is a high priority for Tameside, and we are proud to be able to play our part in ensuring it is successfully delivered.

"We also welcome our new colleagues into the Robertson family. When entering into the Early Works Agreement it was a key priority that we were able to offer employment to all those that previously worked on the project."

(LM)