Top builders Anwyl Construction will fly the flag for Wales at a major UK building awards ceremony in London later this year.<\/p>\n
The Rhyl-based firm have been short-listed by Housebuilder magazine, the UK\u2019s best read building publication, in the Best Community Initiative category of the awards.<\/p>\n
These are now in their tenth year and will take place at a glittering occasion at the Tower Hotel in London with a celebrity presenter \u2013 comic impressionist Jon Culshaw did the honours at last year\u2019s event.<\/p>\n
Anwyl Construction are the only Wales-based company to make the shortlist in any category. The companies shortlisted for the awards are a \u201cwho\u2019s who\u201d of the British construction industry, from Taylor Wimpey and Barratt to Redrow, while projects include the London Olympics Athletes Village and the Royal Arsenal Riverside regeneration.<\/p>\n
Anwyl have been nominated for the \u00a315-million 147-home scheme they are building in Wrexham for leading social housing organisation Wales & West Housing on two sites in the town, Kingsmills Road and Rivulet Road.<\/p>\n
Their work there has led to one new sub-contracting business starting up and provided 18 work experience posts. The company also held two Meet The Contractor events, which led to two-thirds of the sub-contractors and over 70 per cent of the workforce coming from within 25 miles of Wrexham.<\/p>\n
They also arranged a series of visits to four local schools, organised an art competition based on site safety and installed new play equipment.<\/p>\n
Anwyl\u2019s nomination is in recognition of their positive impact in a range of areas, including training and employment, supply chain, education and community initiatives.<\/p>\n
Anwyl Construction Director Tom Anwyl said: \u201cWe are delighted to have been short-listed for this major award and proud to be representing the Welsh construction industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a North Wales-based company we recognise the importance of ensuring that the local economy benefits from major projects like the Kingsmills and Rivulet Road sites.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a long-standing commitment to apprenticeships and are very proud of the fact that 20% of our own 150-strong workforce began their careers with us as apprentices.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the criteria we used to select sub-contractors for this project was that they should share our commitment to giving a start in the construction industry to young people.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have worked hard with them and with the local further education college and local organisations to help them make the most of these opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anwyl estimate that 70 per cent of the \u00a315 million cost of the developments at Rivulet Road and Kingsmills Road will go on wages to an almost entirely North Wales-based workforce.<\/p>\n
Tom Anwyl added: \u201cIt was always our intention to ensure that this major contract should bring benefits to the local area, and we\u2019re delighted that this is happening.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was important to both Wales & West Housing and ourselves that this project would provide as many high quality training opportunities as possible, and also that it brings a real economic benefit to Wrexham and North East Wales.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the work, Anwyl have provided a Santa\u2019s Grotto for the local community and built a new footpath and raised flower beds for a residential home, while over 80 per cent of the site\u2019s waste has been recycled.<\/p>\n
Councillor Mark Pritchard, Wrexham Council\u2019s Lead Member for Housing and Planning, said: \u201cI am delighted that this project is not only providing much needed homes for local residents, but also providing work opportunities for local people.\u201d<\/p>\n
The twin developments for Wales & West Housing, working in partnership with Wrexham County Borough Council, are due to be completed later this year. Rivulet Road will see 35 houses and apartments built, as well as a five-storey block of 20 apartments, while a further 92 homes will be developed at Kingsmills Road. The project also includes a new Community Resource Centre and Medical Facility.<\/p>\n
Craig Sparrow, Development Manager North for Wales & West Housing, said: \u201cOne of the key aspects of our bid to develop this project in Wrexham was to contribute to training apprenticeships and tap into local supply chains and labour.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnwyl Construction have been very proactive in working with us to provide training apprenticeships on these sites and progress is going well. There\u2019s a lot of activity now and more and more trades are being involved every week.\u201d<\/p>\n