Construction restarts at new developments in Cov & Warks
CONSTRUCTION has restarted at new developments across Coventry and Warwickshire as some coronavirus restrictions begin to be lifted.
Barratt Homes has begun a phased reopening at four sites in the area, with priority on alreadysold plots at advanced stages of construction.
The four sites where work will be recommencing are St James’ Gate in Weddington, The Long Shoot in Nuneaton, Saxon Meadows in Nuneaton and Deram Parke in Canley, Coventry.
Barratt Developments is also behind the Warwick Gates development in Warwick.
Sales centres and show homes won’t be reopened yet but the developer said it will continue to look after customers remotely.
Throughout the lockdown people have been able to book a phone appointment for the development they are interested in.
A number of measures have also been put in place so the sites can operate safely.
These include changes to signage, site welfare facilities and a nominated social distancing marshal on all sites along with training and support for employees and sub-contractors.
On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced slight changes to the coronavirus restrictions, including encouraging people who can’t work from home, such as construction workers, to return to work if it’s safe to do so.
People are asked to continue to work from home if they can, and avoid public transport unless there’s no alternative.
Chris Southgate, managing director at Barratt Homes North Midlands, said: “Our first priority is the health and safety of our employees, sub-contractors and customers.
“We have created a detailed set of working practices and protocols for employees and sub-contractors to ensure that we can reopen our construction sites safely, in a phased and measured way, which minimises risk.
“In line with our commitment to put our customers first, we will be prioritising the completion of those homes that our customers have already exchanged or reserved.
“I would also like to thank our employees who have been fantastic during this challenging time, both those who have worked hard to get us ready to restart and our employees who are not currently working.”
Last month, Barratt Developments PLC announced it was furloughing 85 per cent of its staff as the firm strove to deal with the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.
It also took further actions including suspending all land buying activity, stopping all recruitment, postponing non-essential capital expenditure and cancelling the interim dividend which was due to be paid on May 11.
Despite the news, a spokesman said at the time that Barratt Developments - the country’s largest housebuilder - remained in a strong financial position.