Key decision for major Moulsecoomb housing and community hub
Councillors will be discussing the appointment of a contractor for the new Moulsecoomb housing and community hub at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday 23 January.
Following a tender process which concluded last November, officers identified a preferred contractor with extensive experience of delivering construction projects in the private and public sectors.
The preferred supplier scored highest on the quality element and gave confidence in their ability to deliver the project within programme and budget.
Additionally, their bid showed significant commitment to investing in the local community through a Social Value framework designed to grow the local economy and actively support residents in the neighbouring area.
This will include creating apprenticeship opportunities linked to local schools, setting up volunteering opportunities including food and fuel poverty initiatives, and schemes to support increasing the number of local people employed in construction.
Demolition work on site started in spring 2024 with the construction expected to begin later this year.
A flagship scheme
The Moulsecoomb Hub and Housing project is an ambitious scheme which represents a significant regeneration opportunity for Moulsecoomb and Bevendean through 200 new council homes and a multi-use community hub.
The construction will take place on land formerly used by the Moulsecoomb north and south hubs, the 67 Centre and the surrounding area.
Services and facilities that could be located in the hub include a GP Surgery, Moulsecoomb Library, youth centre, adult learning and a community café.
The ambition is also to provide a high-quality public realm as part of the development, including a skate park, and a 7-a-side 3G football pitch.
Shaped by our communities
The design of the project was shaped by residents’ views following a series of ‘planning for real’ sessions, where more than 200 residents gave feedback on what they’d like to see and shared potential concerns.
Views given included the facilities and activities residents would like to see in the hub, the type of housing, transport and the public realm.
The preferred contractor demonstrated commitment to provide positive and pro-active stakeholder communications, focused on ensuring community members are kept informed and involved at every stage of the project.
Before the appointed contractor starts on site, a ‘meet the contractor’ event will be arranged for the community.
A local Community Liaison Officer will be appointed to serve as a primary liaison between the site team and all stakeholders, including local businesses, residents, schools, and community organizations and ensure clear and consistent communication.
In order to ensure that the Moulsecoomb community continue to be involved in the decision-making process, we will establish a monthly meeting group to discuss the project’s progress and gather any feedback from the local community.
Much needed homes and community space
Councillor Gill Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing and New Homes, said: “The Moulsecoomb housing and community hub scheme is a very exciting and ambitious project, presenting a fantastic opportunity for rejuvenation of the local area and contributing to our goal in providing accessible, affordable and decent homes for all.
“Appointing a reliable contractor is vital in making sure the project is financially viable and delivers high quality homes and welcoming public spaces that will be enjoyed for years to come.
“We have received successful bids with the preferred contractors demonstrating significant commitment to investing in the local community, which has been essential in developing the project.
“We are looking forward to the start of the construction work and seeing the plans come to life.”
