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St Austell redevelopment secures top award

30 April 2009

Contractors working on St Austell's £75 million town centre redevelopment scheme are celebrating after being recognised with a top industry award for good practice.

Sir Robert McAlpine, the firm appointed by White River Developments to build 'White River Place', won a Silver Considerate Constructors Scheme 2009 National Award at a ceremony in London earlier this month.

The project was praised for achieving particularly high standards of cleanliness, safety, accountability and the company was recognised for its consideration to local people for keeping disruption to a minimum. It was also commended for its exceptional achievements in the categories of environment, neighbour, respectful and responsible. Judges felt the site was a credit to Sir Robert McAlpine and to the site team.

£31.5 million is being invested in the scheme by the South West RDA with the balance of the funding being invested by White River Developments. The Considerate Constructors Scheme is a national initiative, set up by the construction industry, to improve its image. Sites that sign-up are monitored against a Code of Considerate Practice - the very best performing sites are recognised with an award for excellent standards of consideration towards their workforce, neighbours and the environment.

Bryan Trethewey, Project Manager for Sir Robert McAlpine said: "This is a real achievement for the whole team working on the project in St Austell and we are delighted to have been recognised in this way by our professional peers. We, as a company, are committed to upholding the highest standards in construction at all times and this award is testament to the professionalism shown by everyone involved in this exciting town centre redevelopment scheme."

Sandra Rothwell, Head of Regeneration in Cornwall for the South West RDA added: "Our sincere congratulations go to the whole team at Sir Robert McAlpine and all those working on the town centre scheme. The RDA is proud of its association and involvement in redeveloping Cornwall's largest town, St Austell for the benefit of all. This exciting, sustainable project is much anticipated and the RDA is committed to supporting this priority place and unlocking the town's business potential".

Once completed, the redevelopment will include new shops, restaurants, a 550-space multi-storey car park and 70 apartments. The new four-screen White River Cinema has already opened to the public. Retailers committed to the scheme include Frankie & Benny's, coffee shop Starbucks, fashion outlets New Look, Peacocks and Bonmarche, high street bank HBoS and garden and home store Wilkinson.

The scheme is due to be completed by Sir Robert McAlpine this autumn for retailers to begin the process of internal fit-out. Up to 700 new jobs are expected to be created once White River Place is complete and open for business.

Sean Finlay, Director at White River Developments added: "It was important to White River Developments that we appointed a construction team who would minimise disruption in the town and particularly for those living and working around the development. We are delighted that Sir Robert McAlpine's considerate business ethos has been duly recognised with this award. We look forward to celebrating the project's completion with them and the town as a whole this autumn."

Commenting on the Awards, the Considerate Constructors Scheme's Chairman, Norman Reed, said: "In an economic climate in which our industry faces numerous challenges, it is a pleasure to be able to recognise and reward the outstanding achievements of this year's Award winning sites.

Ends

For more information contact Ryan Martinez, Account Manager, on 01208 77900 or via ryan.martinez@dca-pr.co.uk

Notes to Editors

1. The South West RDA leads the development of a sustainable economy, investing to unlock the region's business potential. It is helping companies respond to the economic crisis and charts a course for recovery. The RDA is developing or expanding initiatives which include: establishing a Business Loan Fund; coordinating the response to large companies in difficulty; preparing for economic recovery.

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