PROJECT
BLOOMFIELD WALKWAY COMMUNITY CENTRE, BELFAST
One of the multipurpose rooms for meetings and courses aimed at the local community.
The new build also features a 250 sqm sports hall with soft landing flooring.
Creche and soft play area, which were added later to the original project.
also included important social value points, as McKelvey Construction was encouraged to hire not only apprentices but also professionals who had been on long-term unemployment to promote a more inclusive approach to the project. “We hired a number of apprentices and people who had been out of a job for a long time, and it was a great experience,” Darren commented. In true community spirit, normally McKelvey Construction hosts talks about their work for leavers from local secondary schools to show how a project is managed and the building is carried out, as a way to inspire young people to consider construction as a viable career. “Normally we have these sessions at the local schools, but with Covid-19, we had to host them at the building site,” Darren explained. “But it was great, as they got to see how everything works first-hand. We had two sessions with local East Belfast secondary schools.” Darren also commented on the current
skills and apprentice shortage in the construction industry. “For many young people, a job in a building project may not sound very favourable at first, especially with the uninviting weather in Northern Ireland. Maybe the new generation will be more interested in positions in the pre-built construction job market.” MAKING A DIFFERENCE McKelvey Construction had worked with subcontractors Devlin Mechanical and AM Electrical NI previously in other projects and, even though the team had to face challenges such as the pandemic backlash, the project ran smoothly. “It was all worthwhile, the results are very good,” Darren stated. “We hope it will make a difference in the daily life of the local community.” Whether it is refurbishing and updating sports facilities or giving young people a place to socialise after school, building contractors McKelvey Construction is
known for the quality of their construction and refurbishments in the sports and leisure sector. Their past projects have enriched the lives of locals, brought joy to visiting tourists, and best of all, been carried out with the professionalism and expertise required to finish construction on time and under budget. With over 25 years of experience, their portfolio also features high-quality projects in the education, health, housing and commercial sectors.
PROJECT TEAM...
Client: Belfast City Council Main Contractor: McKelvey Construction Architect: Michael Whitley Architects Project management: AECOM Structural engineering: Albert Fry Associates
M&E consultants: AH Design
17 Carrickadartans Road, Castlederg, County Tyrone, BT81 7NQ T: +44 (0)28 8167 0586 - E: info@mckelveyconstruction.co.uk www.mckelveyconstruction.co.uk
www.northernbuilder.co.uk
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