Multi-million pound Shrewsbury project to create work for tradesmen
The main contractor of a project to build a multi-million pound, state-of-the-art headquarters and fine art auction centre for leading Shrewsbury-based company Halls will be seeking to hire local tradesmen over the coming months.
Halls, a multi-disciplined company, is aiming to move its new headquarters from the Welsh Bridge in Shrewsbury to the Battlefield area of the town in February 2013.
The new 20,000 square feet building, which will have two fine art salerooms, dedicated offices, storage space, 150 parking spaces and good road access, will be adjacent to Shrewsbury Auction Centre.
Mike Sambrook, managing director of main contractor S. J. Roberts Construction Limited of Marton, near Shrewsbury, said: “This project will not only safeguard our own workforce but also create opportunities for local tradesmen. We also try to resource building materials as locally as we can.
“We are delighted to commence this project and to work with such a high profile Shropshire company as Halls. This is one of a number of contracts that we have secured this year and there appears to be signs of a small recovery in the construction industry. The future is looking a lot brighter.”
He also revealed that Halls’ new headquarters and fine art auction centre would be registered for The Considerate Constructors Scheme, a national initiative set up by the construction industry to improve its image.
Construction sites and companies are monitored against a Code of Considerate Practice, designed to encourage best practice beyond statutory requirements. The scheme is concerned about any area of construction activity that may have a direct or indirect impact on the general public, the workforce and the environment.
S. J. Roberts Construction Limited won a bronze Considerate Constructors Scheme 2011 National Site Award for its work on a regeneration scheme of 30 homes, a retail unit and a community centre on Moston Road, Shrewsbury.
“The move to the new head office and fine art auction centre will be a giant step forward, representing a multi-million investment by the company,” said Halls’ director David Giles, who is managing the project.
“We have outgrown our long established home at the Welsh Bridge and everyone is looking forward to moving into a modern building, which is much more accessible to our clients.
“We are an ambitious company with plans to expand the agricultural, professional and fine art departments and there will be a natural synergy by being located on the same site as Shrewsbury Auction Centre.”
