From left: Britcon Operations Director Lee Noble, Marieanne Elliott of the Green Party, SHC Development Director Steve Birch, and Sally Cuckney of the Green Estate.
Construction company Britcon has started work on an environmental project in Sheffield which will create a new habitat for wildlife, as well as a recreational resource for local residents.
The project, at Manor Fields Park, incorporates a Sustainable Urban Drainage Scheme (SuDS), which will reduce flood risk in the city, and is designed to ease pressure on Sheffield’s watercourse and sewer network. It will also support the creation of almost 150 new homes in the area.
The water management system involves the creation of a wetland environment that will provide a haven for a diverse range of plants and animals and new walking trails for park visitors.
During the works, which started in September 2023, a small area of the park will be closed to the public, but all main paths will remain open and will be carefully managed to ensure minimal disruption for park visitors. The works are due to be completed in April 2024.
The project is being delivered by Sheffield Housing Company (SHC), in partnership with Sheffield City Council’s Parks and Flood Management teams, and the Green Estate Community Interest Company, which manages the park on behalf of the Council. Following a consultation and competitive tender process, Britcon was selected to undertake the works.
SHC Development Manager Howard Young said that the project would have far-reaching benefits - both environmentally, for local people and for park users.
“Britcon have the right skills and expertise for the scheme,” Mr Young said, “and we look forward to seeing it evolve into a community asset. We believe that it will enhance biodiversity and recreational space in the park, while also supporting the delivery of much needed new homes in the area.”
The Manor Fields Park contract follows a highly successful year for Britcon, who have offices in Yorkshire, Teesside and Lincolnshire. They were named Building Magazine Contractor of the Year, Constructing Excellence Yorkshire SME of the Year, and their exemplar projects were recognised by CECA awards in 2023.
Ross Reed, Group Head of Quality & Sustainability, said: “Our successful Britcon Zero sustainability strategy underlines our continued commitment to reduce carbon, waste and deliver positive biodiversity gains within our local communities. The Manor Fields Park project is another excellent example of our consistent approach. We achieved carbon neutral status in 2023, and we are continuing to innovate and invest to achieve our net zero carbon targets.”
SHC is Sheffield City Council’s joint venture development company with private developer Keepmoat and Great Places Housing. Established in 2011, the partnership set an ambitious target of building 2,300 properties on a total of 23 sites by the end of 2026.
