North Midland Construction plc - General Development - Leeds, West Yorkshire

Date: 22 May 2008

North Midland Construction Plc (NMC) has been awarded two contracts in Leeds for the refurbishment of Albion Place and work on one of the first major developments at Holbeck Urban Village, Sweet Street.

The special projects division of NMC has been awarded contract from Leeds City Council as part of a £1.3m scheme to refurbish Albion Place, one of Leeds' main shopping areas. High quality natural York stone sets will be used to refurbish the pedestrianised street and work will be undertaken in small discreet areas to maintain access to shopping facilities. The project is due to start in May and will be completed by November.

NMC will also be carrying out extensive works for the re-opening of Sweet Street West, which will help to connect the communities of Holbeck and Beeston with Holbeck Urban Village.

The £600,000 contract, for Leeds City Council, includes re-opening the highway beneath a low rail bridge, a new turning circle, localised carriageway widening, vehicle activated sign systems, introduction of a one-way street, new cycle paths, York stone footpath improvements, granite kerbs, new street lighting and enabling works for electricity, water and gas.

The work at Sweet Street West, which is due to start in June and is expected to take 16 weeks to complete, will open up a gateway which was once a barrier to people entering the area and has been closed for over 30 years.

Geoff Poyzer, NMC operations director, said: "This work represents a milestone in the development of the urban village and it's exciting to be involved in such an important project for Leeds. We're also delighted to be able to build on our existing relationship with Leeds City Council."

Councillor Andrew Carter, executive board member responsible for the development of the city centre, said: "If we are to continue to attract investors, employers, shoppers and tourists to Leeds, it is essential that the environment in our city centre is of the highest quality. The Albion Place improvements will complement the recent work along Albion Street and Briggate, while the Sweet Street work will vastly improve access to the centre from the south of the city. The combination of both projects will help make the city centre one of the most attractive in the UK."

Holbeck Urban Village, Leeds

Where do I go now?: » View the latest news items » View the news archive » Subscribe to Weekly Construction Newsletter » Submit news