WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT BUILDING REACHES BLAST OFF
Pochin Construction is to conduct a quarry blast at Penrhyn Quarry in Bethesda, North Wales on 12th February 2009. Director of Construction for the Welsh Assembly Government, Richard Wilson, will be on hand to 'push the button' that will blow one of the quarry galleries and unearth the sought-after Welsh slate.
The excavated Heather Grey slate from Penrhyn Quarry will be used to clad the exterior of the Welsh Assembly Government's new offices in Llandudno Junction. Pochin Construction was awarded the £22m contract to build approximately 8,800 sq m of offices space for the Welsh Assembly Government in November last year, the building will accommodate up to 650 staff, accommodating existing posts from in and around the North Wales region, posts relocating from Cardiff and some new positions created to support the office to function.
The proposed quarry blast is part of an initiative, in compliance with the European Union procurement procedures, to use local supply and labour chains wherever possible throughout the build. The contract will secure work for the architectural department of Welsh Slate for the next six months.
First Minister Rhodri Morgan said: "In the construction of our new office in Llandudno Junction, we are keen to ensure that the buildings meet the highest environmental standards and that local supplies, labour and materials are used wherever possible. Around 30,000 tonnes of Welsh slate from Penrhyn Quarry will be used on the exterior of this office, which demonstrates our commitment to using sustainable and local materials."
On the project, Jonathan Pochin, Managing Director of Pochin Construction commented: "Wales is renowned for producing beautiful slate, and its Heather Grey variety in particular is ideal for architectural purposes, as not only is the slate strong and durable, it is also attractive for external use, due to its natural veining. Our expertise in delivering complex buildings incorporating high levels of sustainable design and technology, coupled with the unique materials and skilled labour of the Welsh community, will provide a excellent platform for which to deliver a building the whole of Wales can be proud of."
Construction of the Welsh Assembly Government building is due to be completed by spring 2010. This will be followed by a period of internal fit out of furniture and ICT prior to the building being occupied summer 2010.