University boosts local construction industry

The University of Warwick has announced a number of initiatives to help the local economy during the economic downturn.

The University has announced a £3 million scheme that will make University projects more accessible to local building companies, and a £2 million capital spending scheme to refurbish the chemistry laboratories.

The University will break down £3 million worth of planned construction on campus into smaller projects.

The smaller projects will cut the paperwork required from 60 pages to six and hopefully encourage smaller local companies to apply for the work.

Vice-Chancellor Nigel Thrift said, “We have already brought forward construction work on two of our buildings to assist the construction industry in these difficult economic times.

“I am delighted that we have now also found this way to make access easier to some of our construction work for smaller local building companies.”

The smaller projects will be between £50,000 and £100,000, and the University will create a roster of companies who can bid for the work.

The University will also spend £2 million refurbishing the chemistry laboratories after the Higher Education Funding Council for England launched a scheme to help universities bring forward capital projects that benefit the local and national economy.

John Denham, Secretary of State for Higher Education, said, “I am delighted that Warwick University has been awarded almost £2 million pounds for refurbishment of chemistry teaching laboratories. This project will secure local jobs for those in vital building and construction work.

“This funding is part of a wider Government initiative to bring forward £3 billion of funding for important public sector projects and will bring real benefits to students and the public alike. Higher Education has an important role to play in supporting businesses, especially during the downturn.”

The chemistry laboratories’ renovation will not only improve facilities for University students, but also for programmes with secondary schools in the area.