SABC Appoint Main Contractor

Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council is pleased to announce that Willmott Dixon has been appointed as the Design and Build Contractor for its exciting New Entertainment Venue project.

The development, which has already gained planning permission, will be a cultural hub for Shrewsbury and beyond with a main auditorium seating 650, as well as a studio space housing a diverse range of performances and live music. Two café bars, a beautiful riverside setting and advanced technical capabilities will mean a visit to the New Entertainment Venue will be an experience to remember.

Willmott Dixon, recipient of several recent accolades including "The Best Place to Work in Construction" from industry paper Contract Journal and "Best Medium Project for 2005" from the Quality in Construction awards, was delighted to be appointed on a project that will assist in the regeneration of an area left largely unused after a history of industrial use.

Peter Owen, managing director at Willmott Dixon's local office in Coleshill said, "As a national contractor with a large presence in the Midlands and North West, it's great news to be given this prestigious project. We will have an excellent site team working here to ensure we deliver a project that everyone can be proud of and which will be a valuable addition to Shrewsbury."

Now that Willmott Dixon have been appointed work can begin in earnest to enable construction to start on site. Throughout the project the design team will work closely with SABC's project team and the Cultural Services team to ensure that the New Entertainment Venue will be a thriving success for years to come. Lezley Picton, SABC's Cultural Services Manager said of the appointment:

"I am extremely happy that Willmott Dixon has been appointed. When I was reading their application I realised that I'd been to some of the venues they had built and I have seen the stunning work that they are capable of. This really is great news for the project and we are another step closer to welcoming guests to a wonderful evening of top entertainment in Shrewsbury. I would just like to add my thanks to all the local people who have sent in the messages of support, comments and suggestions - it is fantastic that the people of Shropshire are really getting behind this project and are already feeling excited and inspired. Come opening night I'm sure we will have a tremendous celebration!"

If you would like more information about the new entertainment venue please contact Leela Cottey, Assistant Project Manager on 01743 281185 or email projects@shrewsbury.gov.uk. If you would like to find out more about Willmott Dixon please view their website at www.willmottdixon.co.uk.