Barnstorming

Date: 24.08.2011

Two of the North West’s leading employers are working collaboratively to secure investment for regeneration/development projects which will increase economic growth and create new jobs across the region.

Capita Symonds, a national property consultancy with a base in Blackburn; and East Lancashire’s Barnfield Construction Group boast a shared team of design and construction specialists who are committed to creating and delivering regeneration, development and construction projects nationally.

The two companies have experience of long term partnering with local authorities and private sector individuals which help to achieve economic growth through affordable housing, improved public facilities and the regeneration of run down areas.

Capita Symonds has worked in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council for ten years, delivering multi-disciplinary technical services on projects such as Darwen Leisure Centre and major improvements to Blackburn Town Centre whilst also working across East Lancashire on other projects such as Lancashire Building Schools for the Future.

Meanwhile, Barnfield Construction joined with Pendle Borough Council, Hyndburn Borough Council and more recently Burnley Borough Council to form regeneration partnerships which aim to make these areas a better place to live, learn, work, play and visit.

Martin King, Capita Symonds’ Design Director said “The North West has seen significant development over recent years but there is still real potential to transform vacant areas into thriving hubs for business and communities.

Barnfield and Capita Symonds are working together to identify sites, create development opportunities and attract investment from a range of sources. We have already seen interest from some high profile retail and leisure companies who are keen to grow their presence in the North West which has the potential to create many new jobs and discussions are well in advance on several sites.”

Gareth Smith, Barnfield Construction’s Head of Regeneration, said of the partnership “there was a natural link between the two companies; we both place the communities in which we work at the centre of our plans. This means we truly understand, and respond to, the economic and social challenges facing an area.

We don’t just design and build to order; we create something based on local aspirations which will help to create jobs and improve communities. As a company we are very passionate about ‘Real Regeneration’ and this collaboration adds real value to an already prospering sector. “