Work to improve the route of the Olympic torch has helped the local builders behind the renovation of the Derby Civic Offices gain national recognition for improving the image of the construction industry. BAM Construction, which has offices in Derby, scored within the top 7.5 per cent of all construction projects in the UK for its civic offices scheme in an assessment by the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS). BAM scored 4.5 out of 5 in seven of the eight categories – and 5 out of 5 for being a good neighbour – giving it an overall mark of 36.5 out of 40. Working alongside project manager Mace, BAM is delivering a £34 million refurbishment of Derby Civic Offices; after a recent visit, CCS monitor Peter Bolwell described their work to date as ‘very impressive’ and ‘hard to fault.’ He was particularly impressed by community activities undertaken, including its Community Wood Project, which provides employment to disadvantaged people recycling waste wood. Bolwell added: “Community activities are extensive and included substantial help to a scout group, tours of the project, enabling TV coverage and refurbishing a fountain for the Olympic torch run.” The CCS scheme covers all aspects of a construction project, from the appearance of a site through to the environmental and safety impacts.
Full marks are only given where a contractor has achieved something exceptional or unique, while a company has to do everything to a very high standard to achieve 4.5. BAM was praised for building good relationships with its neighbours, including a crown court and a food outlet.
Car share promotion, re-use of bricks and timber recycling were all noted as part of the extremely high environment rating. The site is cleaned twice a day, and nearby roads are also looked after by the contractor when necessary. Project manager Steve Roome said: “It is fantastic to see the efforts we put into working with the local community on this high-profile town centre scheme recognised. “Not only will our work on Derby Civic Offices provide larger, more modern facilities for staff and the visiting public, the project will benefit the local economy and the wider community. “At BAM we recognise that we have a responsibility to work with local people, businesses and community groups to ensure we can do our job in the most harmonious way possible.
“This project is right in the middle of Derby town centre and to have not had a single complaint from the public in over a year is testament to the work we are putting in.”
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