ACS Construction Group has been appointed as the main contractor for the development of Integra 61, Durham.

The firm was originally selected as the lead subcontractor to provide the design and construction of the drainage, road infrastructure, street lighting and signage of the initial phase of the scheme.

Following the insolvency of the original main contractor, ACS was chosen directly by the client, Citrus Group/Integra 61, to complete all works and assume the design and build, construction responsibilities including roles such as Principal Designer and Principal Contractor. This included the finalisation of the design, the value engineering process and the construction of all remaining works as well as the transfer of all obligations under the CDM regulations.

Project disruption with transitions of this nature was mitigated with minimal impact on the construction programme and the overall completion date remains unaffected. Such smooth changeovers between contractors are unprecedented when similar situations occur but this was accomplished through all the stakeholders working tirelessly together to ensure a positive outcome.

-- Advertisement --

Integra 61 is a mixed use development on former agricultural land which incorporates the design and construction of: –

• Demolition and remediation of farm buildings and yards

• Earthworks to facilitate the required infrastructure

• New storm and foul drainage systems

• New roads and footways required by Section 38 of the planning permission

• Adaptation and improvement of existing highways required by Section 278 of the planning permission

• Diversion of Statutory Undertaker's existing equipment / apparatus (water, gas and comms)

• Builders work to accommodate new services into the site and to each development plot

• Street lighting and signage.

ACS is playing a key part in the coordination of the two novated designers as well as the client's project management team (operational and commercial) and a multi utility stats provider. In addition, the adopting authorities (highways and drainage) are being coordinated and approval is being achieved as the work progresses to ensure timely conclusions to the client's obligations in this regard.

ACS Construction Group's Managing Director, Paul Grady, said: "We are excited to be working for Citrus on the Integra 61 project. It is one of the largest developments in the North East and will see the site become the premier industrial and logistics location in the region, generating thousands of jobs."

ACS started on site in September 2018 and is on schedule for the contract completion date, for phases 1 and 2, for early September 2019. The overall contact value for ACS Construction Group is circa £8 million.