POCHIN APPOINTED FOR THE NEW WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LLANDUDNO JUNCTION
The Welsh Assembly Government has awarded the £20million construction contract for its new office in Llandudno Junction to Pochin Construction.
The new building will provide approximately 8,800 sq m of office space, and will accommodate up to 650 staff. The office will accommodate 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. If staff scheduled to relocate from Cardiff choose not to move with their post then there will be further opportunities for local recruitment.
First Minister, Rhodri Morgan has officially handed over the site to Jonathan Pochin, Managing Director of Pochin Construction and work is due to commence over the coming weeks.
The First Minster said: "This is positive news for the North Wales community and I look forward to a strong working relationship with Pochin Construction. This announcement re-affirms our One Wales commitment to relocate Welsh Assembly Government divisions to other parts of Wales. In modernising our operations and opening our new offices, we are moving from being a Cardiff centric organisation into an all-Wales organisation".
Regarding his decision last September to re-procure the construction contract, the First Minister added: "The decision to re-procure the contract has been fully justified with demonstrable savings in construction costs in excess of £5m from our position in February last year. The improved design fully reflects our low carbon building aspirations. This office will be a real asset to the Welsh Assembly Government and the people of North Wales".
Jon Pochin of Pochin Construction added: "Being awarded this prestigious contract is a massive coup for Pochin Construction. We have had a long and successful relationship with the North Wales Business Community and are looking forward to this continuing throughout the construction of the project.
"Our expertise in delivering complex buildings incorporating high levels of sustainable design and technology will provide an excellent platform for which to deliver a building the whole of North Wales can be proud of".
The local economy can soon expect to receive a boost with this announcement. The Welsh Assembly Government will soon facilitate a Meet the Buyer event with Pochin Construction and local businesses. This will aim to encourage the use of local supply and labour chains wherever possible and in compliance with the European Union procurement procedures.
Construction 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.