Top firm to build new city digital arena in two years
SWANSEA’S 3,500-capacity digital indoor arena will be built within two years by the company behind a Premier League stadium and a London 2012 Olympics arena.
Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd has been appointed by Swansea Council as the principal contractor to carry out the transformation, which will also include a coastal park, digital plaza, pedestrian bridge, new car parking, homes and retail, food and drink premises.
It was chosen under a pre-construction services agreement after a competitive tender process, it has been announced and will see Buckingham, over six months from Monday, undertake detailed design, costings and essential preparatory work on the expansive city centre site.
The early work will prepare the project and site for the main build phase, which is due to start in late summer. The transformation is due to be completed in 2021.
Leader of Swansea Council Rob Stewart said: “Having a company of this calibre working in collaboration with us is another statement of intent, this will be a world-class transformational scheme that will be a catalyst to making Swansea a great 21st Century city. Swansea Central Phase One will bring a bright new modern focus to our city. It will mean new opportunities for local people, businesses and major investors. Other regeneration will follow.
“We have developed a strategy with Buckingham to offer packages of work to sub- contractors and trades, many of whom we hope will be local so the benefits of this significant investment will stay within the local economy.”
Buckingham is issuing a newsletter introducing itself to residents and businesses close to the site.
The owner-managed business, dating back to 1955 and formally incorporated in 1987, is a well-established contractor, undertaking major construction projects across the UK and Ireland including the design and construction of the £34m Copper Box London 2012 Olympic Handball Arena. Buckingham’s experience also embraces the design and build of the £89m Premier League American Ex-press Community Stadium for Brighton and Hove Albion FC providing 30,500 seats, and the design and build of Cardiff City Stadium’s £10m East Stand expansion.
Managing director Kevin Underwood said: “We are delighted to have been selected to work on this incredibly exciting scheme. Our experience means that we’re confident of delivering high-quality work over the next six months. We will be committed to delivering the highest standards that this initiative, the people of Swansea and the site’s neighbouring residents and businesses deserve.”