A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of our customers and suppliers. We had a challenging but successful 2018 and look forward to the opportunities and challenges that 2019 will bring.
We were extremely pleased to have won a Silver Award at this year’s Considerate Constructors Awards. #loveconstruction
Also, a big Congratulations go to one of our Site Supervisors – Martin Gardener, who won a Site Supervisor Award last month at the Willmott Dixon Supply Chain Awards.
Well done to Joe Ready and Sue Hurford who have completed their training to become Mental Health First Aiders. The course was organised by Willmott Dixon for their staff and they kindly invited Joe and Sue to attend. The course was delivered by James Maher on behalf of Mental Health First Aid England.
Skills learning over the two days focused on offering support to those experiencing depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. It also encouraged companies to make the workforce aware there was always a safe place to talk.
Words from Sue:“Developing skills that make me able to ‘make the difference’ to others by really listening to the issues that are causing distress. Offering support and encouragement to seek the correct professional help if appropriate. Working to reduce the stigma historically attached to mental health.”
Words from Joe:“As the Health, Safety & Training manager I come into regular contact with the entire workforce. On many occasions they take the opportunity to discuss issues that may be troubling them. The skills developed on the course have given me the additional confidence to listen effectively and support appropriately when employees wish to share their anxieties.”
We are working in conjunction with Galliford Try plc and once demolition is complete 346 homes will be built on the site, 100 of which will be affordable. Retail and start-up business units, community buildings and green spaces are also planned for the site.
The site was originally developed in 1779 as a prison, housing Dutch and Spanish prisoners from the American Revolutionary War. The original buildings remaining from this time are grade II listed and will be retained for regeneration.
The site was used in various ways before becoming a dedicated mental health facility for the NHS in 1946. In 2007 the hospital was declared surplus to requirements by North Bristol NHS Trust and it was sold to Homes England (formerly the Homes and Community Agency) for redevelopment.
We expect to complete demolition works in spring 2019.