News: Huge interest in Rotherham stadium construction project

Local businesses from across the Yorkshire region turned up in their hundreds to "Meet the Contractor" at Magna in Rotherham recently.

The successful event is part of an initiative by main contractor GMI Construction and Rotherham United Football Club to open up local opportunities to the local community in the construction of the new 12,000 seater stadium.

An open forum gave potential sub-contractors and suppliers the chance to speak to key members of the delivery team individually, as well as submitting their details to be considered for elements of the works.

Andrew Kemp, construction director at GMI said: "The team are committed to working collaboratively with local supply chains where ever possible and are so pleased with the response we've had so far. It's all about engaging with people and getting the best of what's on offer to benefit all parties involved."

Additional support for the event was also provided in the form of exhibitors which included representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Construction Sector Network, Business Link, Construction Skills, Construction Line and CO2 Sense.

Karl Redmond, CEO of the Construction Sector Network said: "Construction Target is positioned to increase the flow of opportunities for regional businesses in the construction sector and build environment sector & this event is a perfect example of how we are proactively working with clients & prime contractors to achieve this.

"The new Rotherham stadium brings commercial opportunities and we are pleased to have supported GMI in bringing this to the attention of businesses in the Yorkshire & Humber region."

Positive feedback on the success of the event has already been received, with one attendee commenting: "Just wanted to thank GMI for the excellent presentation and informative information that was given at the event to local sub-contractors; how very refreshing, I wish all main contractors would adopt this approach."

3E Consulting Engineers has been named as the structural engineers on the project. The Wakefield-based experts worked previously with GMI Construction at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane ground on a new south west corner stand and four star hotel. They also worked on Walsall's Bescot Stadium and the cricket and rugby grounds at Headingley in Leeds.

The stadium is being constructed on the site of the former Guest & Chrimes foundry, close to the town centre. GMI Construction stated that groundwork on the site is imminent with the main stadium construction taking place in Summer 2011 ready for completion by the 2012/13 season.

GMI Construction website
Rotherham United website

Images: GMI Construction