The initial £15m contract with Genesis Housing Association focuses on the delivery of 386 affordable and Extra Care houses, with ISG also working towards the detailed design and costing of the full scheme, which is expected to be in the region of £36m.
ISG’s involvement in the project began with an initial contract for enabling works in spring 2011. This comprised the demolition of several structures on the site bordering Stoke Quay, including a former builder’s merchants and a range of industrial units. Construction work proper will start in October, straight after an intensive 14-week dig by Oxford Archaeology, which is likely to be one of the largest rescue excavations undertaken in the UK this year. The triangular-shaped site is understood to be the location of a lost medieval church, and the archaeologists will systematically investigate the area looking for evidence of past occupation and use.
On completion of the excavation work, ISG will take full possession of the site and start the construction phase, which is scheduled to complete in summer 2014.
The design of the scheme makes use of the sloping nature of the site and incorporates a basement car parking structure, which doubles as a flood defence measure. The new homes are effectively built on a ground floor concrete podium deck, which spans the whole site, with the basement providing car parking for 212 cars and 598 bicycles. The mixed tenure scheme features 25 terraced townhouses and three blocks of flats, including extra-care supported accommodation.
ISG is holding an open day at its Ipswich office in August to discuss the range of opportunities available to local suppliers on this major project. To find out more details, email Peter Cobbold, peter.cobbold@isgplc.com.
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