Work has restarted at Sherford - Plymouth’s largest housing project - as building sites around the city see activity again after weeks of lockdown.
Construction teams are back at the huge £1billion development on the edge of Plymstock.
It's understood most of Plymouth’s building sites have reopened now that the coronavirus lockdown restrictions are being eased.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in his May 11 address to the nation, said construction firms, who had not downed tools during the lockdown, should restart operations from May 13.
And industry body Build UK said 73% of building sites are now in action again across the UK.
That is true in Plymouth too, where teams are returning to sites. Many are, however, only just starting to increase operations, with health and safety and management teams having been brought back first.
But on-site activity should become more noticeable from now, industry insiders predict.
Although, some Plymouth construction sites actually never closed during the lockdown period.
Construction in the news
Large infrastructure projects, including the Forder Valley Link Road and the third phase of the Oceansgate marine business part at Devonport, remained in progress.
Some smaller projects continued too including work on the new Amazon warehouse “delivery station” at Estover, and extension work at some Plymouth manufacturers.
“It depends on the type of build and what the client wants,” one industry insider said.
But some of the sites worked with smaller teams as a safety measure, and at a “slower pace”.
What is Building Plymouth?
Building Plymouth is a council-led partnership that connects people with career opportunities in construction and the built environment in Plymouth.
With more than 10,000 jobs needed in the city over the next five years, Building Plymouth aims to match employers with a highly skilled workforce to transform the city and beyond.
Emma Hewitt, Building Plymouth skills co-ordinator, said: "There is more than meets the eye when it comes to working in construction. With over 180 job roles, from architects to quantity surveyors, engineers to bricklayers, carpenters to labourers, demolition to landscaping, there really is a career for everyone.
"Regardless of whether you’re thinking of an apprenticeship, job, upskilling, training and qualifications, or even a complete change of career, Building Plymouth can find a role where you can thrive.
Building Plymouth organises the annual Open Doors week, when the city’s building sites are opened to young people and jobseekers so they can learn more about careers in construction.
Ms Hewitt said: “Through events such as Open Doors, hundreds of local people have gained an insight into construction.”
Fine out more about Building Plymouth by clicking here
Or drop to the Pop-Up Job Shop, open every Wednesday and Friday (including school holidays) from 10am to noon in Plymouth Guildhall, or email hello@buildingplymouth.co.uk or call 01752 308751.
But it was the residential housing schemes which ground to a halt, along with several other projects such as the new flats block at Mount Wise.
But now those sites are starting to “crank up”, one industry insider said, and added: “They will do it in stages, with management teams in place first, and then gradually bringing sub-contactors in.”
The larger construction companies are already swinging back into action. Barrett Homes has taken all its South West sites out of mothballs including Chapel Gate in Launceston, Lucerne Fields in Ivybridge and Ebden Grange in Tavistock.
Safety measures, including social distancing, are being implemented on the sites.
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Chris Burton, regional managing director for the West region at Barratt, said: "Our first priority is the health and safety of our employees, sub-contractors and customers. We have created a detailed set of working practices and protocols for employees and sub-contractors to ensure that we can reopen our construction sites safely, in a phased and measured way, which minimises risk. In line with our commitment to put our customers first, we will be prioritising the completion of those homes that our customers have already exchanged or reserved.”
Persimmon Homes is also back at work and has recommenced at Saltram Meadow, in Plymouth.
David Jenkinson, Persimmon’s chief executive, said: “We support the Government’s view that the housing sector has a key role to play in the UK’s economic recovery.
“The urgent need for new homes has not been diminished by Covid-19 and the new measures announced by the Government will reopen the housing market and allow people to get moving again.”
