Lead contractor on £12.6m sports village construction files administration notice
The lead contractor on a £12.6m sports village construction project has filed a notice to enter administration. Hyndburn Council were informed last Friday that ISG, the lead contractor on the council’s Wilson Sport Village construction project, has filed a notice to enter administration.
The contract for the development works at Wilson Sports Village site in Clayton-le-Moors is with Alliance Leisure, with ISG being their main construction contractor. Plans involve demolishing the existing clubhouse and replacing it with a new centre accommodating a 25 metre four lane pool, indoor and outdoor changing facilities, fitness suite, offices, community rooms, a café and reception area.
The council says Alliance Leisure has assured the council they are in a strong trading position and will follow their protocols to minimise disruption and ensure the continuity of the project. Following on from the announcement that ISG have entered administration, the council has met with Alliance Leisure to establish a way forward for the development at the Wilson Playing Fields site.
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Alliance Leisure are prioritising preparations for the successful restart of the project. They are following necessary protocols in conjunction with Ernst & Young, the appointed administrators to ensure the following:
That the site is safe and secure. Sports clubs and groups can continue to use the existing facilities as normal.
An Action Plan is produced to inform the Council on the key steps required to restart the project. The council and Alliance Leisure are focusing efforts on getting the construction site operational and place great emphasis on minimising impact and disruption to the programme to deliver the project as planned.
ISG is a national company and many large projects up and down the country, including Wilson Sport Village, will likely be affected. A spokesperson for the council said: “The council recognises the hard work and dedication of the construction team at Wilson Sport Village and extend our empathy to all ISG employees and any subcontractors who are currently affected.
“The council are committed to working with Alliance Leisure to ensure a smooth transition during this difficult period.” When the scheme was proposed it created controversy with Great Harwood residents and Labour councillors objecting to the plans because it would replace the closed swimming pool in Mercer Hall.
Sport England gave £2.4 million via its Strategic Facilities Fund which has the objective of supplying the right sports facilities in the right areas. The steel framework of the new leisure centre was completed in July.
It is hoped the facility will become an important hub for sports and recreation in the area. The council says further updates will be shared in due course.