Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, has reached a key milestone in the development of the new Dundee railway station concourse and hotel, with works to erect the steel superstructure progressing at pace , as part of the new Central Waterfront development.
With the main arch steel modules now in place, the structure will be complete towards the end of the year with focus then turning to the installation of the metal decking and concrete floor slab to form the station concourse. These works will run concurrently with the construction of the outer shell of the station and hotel.
Balfour Beatty is undertaking the redevelopment on behalf of Dundee City Council. Balfour Beatty’s workforce is working through the night to support the build and installation of the 1,100 tonne steel structure modules, ensuring minimal disruption to the rail interface and significantly reducing the construction programme duration.
Hector MacAulay, Balfour Beatty Regional Managing Director, Scotland, said: “This is an exciting development in the construction programme with visible changes to the Dundee skyline taking shape. We have used our experience in delivering complex rail and construction programmes to enable works to continue at pace.
“As part of our community engagement programme we have been delighted to welcome young unemployed people to the project and to speak with them about career opportunities within the construction industry. At the project outset, we committed to making a real and sustainable contribution to the Dundee economy through creating local employment and training opportunities and this is just one example of how we intend to deliver on this commitment. ”
Will Dawson convener of Dundee City Council's city development committee said: "As part of the commitment to this project and the city, Balfour Beatty have devoted themselves to a full programme of Community Benefits to support the development of this project. So far this has resulted in the creation of five new employment opportunities, two modern apprentice opportunities and three work experience opportunities. They have also supported various groups to undertake site visits to give students or job seekers a better understanding of the construction industry.
"This commitment has included providing a customised visit for a group of young unemployed people on the Construction Employability programme who so impressed the company that they also agreed to provide a contribution to their training programme, allowing the young people to complete additional certificated training.
"Partly as a result of that gesture the young people were able to go on and secure employment locally. I hugely appreciate the contribution that Balfour Beatty and other contractors give us to support our Community Benefits programme."
Construction work is scheduled for completion in December 2017.
ENDS
Media enquiries to:
Vivienne Dunn
Balfour Beatty
t: +44 (0) 203 8102533
e: Vivienne.Dunn@balfourbeatty.com
For all non-media related enquiries please contact +44 (0)20 7216 6800 or info@balfourbeatty.com
Notes to editors:
• Balfour Beatty’s UK and Ireland regional construction business is a leading integrator of complex, sophisticated and innovative projects that improve the UK’s and Ireland’s national infrastructure and an experienced provider of local and regional projects that help build lasting communities.
• With offices throughout the UK and Ireland, Balfour Beatty delivers a locally-focused service with the support of Balfour Beatty’s national network of expertise and resources. Significant projects in our current portfolio include the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and Balmedie/Tipperty project, the Aberdeen and North East Scotland road improvement project, the Edinburgh Gateway Rail Station and the first phase of the Perth Transport Futures Project.
Image: Balfour Beatty erecting the steel structure to form the station concourse and associated hotel