BAM Construction has been appointed by Lend Lease to build Bluewater Events Venue, a unique 55,000 sq ft (5,200m2) events and exhibition venue. The news coincides with the start of construction of the £60 million development, which is scheduled to host its first events in late 2011. Directly accessed off Thames Walk through the existing Water Circus, the Bluewater Events Venue, designed by internationally renowned architects and exhibition experts Denton, Corker Marshall, will be centred around a 32,000 sq ft (3,000m2) plaza, and will include 43,000 sq ft (4,000m2) of catering/restaurants space, which will be reconfigured to enhance the casual dining and public areas, and includes a number of new units. BAM Construction, which was selected following a tender process, has built a number of significant landmark buildings around the UK, including the Ashmolean Museum, the Natural History Museum’s new Darwin Centre and the current redevelopment of Great Ormond Street Hospital. BAM also has strong experience in the North West Kent region, which includes the building of new campuses in Dartford and Gravesend for North West Kent College, and schools and health facilities in numerous locations across the county. Richard Cable, head of Lend Lease’s development business in the UK, said: “The Bluewater Events Venue is a significant development for Bluewater and we are delighted to be working with BAM not just because of their track record, and ability to deliver against our brief, but because they consider safety a first priority and understand the importance of working as a partner with the community which is fundamental to Lend Lease’s philosophy.” Nigel Comben, BAM’s Regional Director for the South East, said: “The Bluewater Events Venue is a particularly exciting new building, and we are delighted that BAM is the company delivering this fantastic project. Bluewater represents an excellent opportunity to showcase the quality of our work. But we believe it is not just about what we build, it is also how we build that matters, particularly with regards to health and safety and working with the community. “We are looking forward to building our partnership with Lend Lease to ensure we bring lasting benefits for the local community. The events venue is a significant development for Bluewater and we are delighted to be part of this exciting initiative.” Once complete, the Bluewater Events Venue will be the UK’s focal point for retail and leisure led events, shows and exhibitions. It will complement Bluewater’s retail offer whilst meeting the continued demand for specialist consumer events in a purpose-built environment.
