Building work on the Victoria Square regeneration in Braintree’s town centre has come to an end.
Braintree District Council in partnership with Kier has successfully replaced the old bus park and car park with new apartment homes, services, amenities and businesses.
Construction work on the last phase of the mixed-use project, the build of 12 new social homes, achieved practical completion at the end of August, but over the last two years Braintree has seen the phased completion of many more elements.
The £30 million town centre regeneration, commissioned by Braintree District Council, included the build of:
· 35 high quality affordable apartment homes
· 70-bed Travelodge
· A Livewell hub with capacity to serve 20,000 patients
· A pharmacy
· A restaurant or café and retail unit
· A new modern bus interchange with added capacity to support future improvements in the bus network
· Public toilets
· A garden and plaza area to complement Braintree’s historic Town Hall
· A twin-level car park
While resident in Braintree, Kier created apprenticeships and job opportunities, as well as supported small businesses and the local supply chain during the construction phase.
Kier, together with Braintree District Council recently held a ceremony jointly with partners to mark and celebrate completion of the build.
Cllr Kevin Bowers, Cabinet Member for Assets, Housing & Skills at Braintree District Council, said: “Our investment into amenities, services and homes is attracting visitors, supporting residents and businesses and creating jobs. It’s the beginning of a transformation which we hope will attract investment and revitalise and enhance the vibrancy of our town. We would like to thank Kier for their dedication and hard work in bringing what has been a complex and challenging project to fruition.”
Ian Gifford, Regional Director, Kier Construction, Eastern and Midlands, said: “This has been such an important scheme to work on, helping Braintree District Council realise its bold plans to transform the town centre. We’re very proud of the finished result, which leaves a lasting legacy for Braintree’s local people and businesses.
“Throughout this successful project, we’ve been able to do our bit for the community, including creating 13 apprenticeships for young people in the area, and supporting the local supply chain with over £4m in contracts.”
