Partner Article

Wates wins Considerate Constructors Scheme Gold in Manchester

Wates Living Space has been commended for its outstanding community engagement on a project for Southway Housing Trust in south Manchester, receiving a Gold award from the Considerate Constructors Scheme. This is the highest accolade that can be awarded and recognises the site team’s respect for the local community during construction works.

The affordable housing contractor, which was presented with the accolade during a ceremony at the Lowry Hotel, was praised for its work undertaken at sites on Barnett Avenue and Barlow Hall Road in Chorlton-cum-Hardy. The project involved the construction of six new two-storey homes as part of a wider £3m scheme for Southway Housing Trust.

Engagement activities undertaken by the Wates site team included the presentation of awards to local residents for ‘best garden’, the packing of charity bags, hampers for disadvantaged families and the provision of transport for elderly neighbours. The site also closely monitored its carbon footprint and waste disposal levels.

In addition, five apprentices were appointed to work on the scheme, seven people received work experience and the team delivered a Health and Safety assembly at a local school.

The Wates Living Space team was noted by the Considerate Constructors Scheme as having ‘embraced the principles of considerate construction in a truly exceptional way.’

Lee Sale, Regional Business Director for Wates Living Space, commented: “The team put enormous effort into fostering a fantastic relationship with the local community, so to receive a Gold award is testament to their hard work and success. We always strive to work together with the communities where we build so to be recognised and rewarded for this is very pleasing indeed. We hope to repeat this success in the future.”

Jane Gant, Director of Regeneration and Asset Management at Southway Housing, added: “These new build sites are exciting projects that confirm Southway’s commitment to providing good quality and affordable homes for rent in south Manchester that meet a growing need. Our successful partnership with Wates Living Space since 2007 has seen high quality work and significant opportunities for our tenants to gain employment and training, with projects that support our local community groups.”

Wates Living Space was also awarded a Bronze award for its work on the Fiona Gardens project with Trafford Housing Trust and its work on the West Lancashire Council Maintenance Framework.

The Considerate Constructors Scheme is a non-profit making, independent organisation founded in 1997 by the construction industry to improve its image.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Wates .