Acrol Modular has won a £5.8m contract to deliver the Minster Exchange in Cheltenham – a modular building which will house a state-of-the-art workspace for the cyber tech, digital and creative sectors
The project is a joint venture between the public and private sector, with Cheltenham Borough Council, Workshop and a group of local entrepreneurs who presented the original idea for the Minster Exchange to the council.
The £5.86m project is partly funded from a jointly crafted government funding bid and resulted in a grant of £3.5m from central Government’s ‘Getting Building Fund’ and the Growth Hub via First LEP, Gloucestershire’s Local Enterprise Partnership.
The funding will enable the delivery of an innovative modular building which will house a Growth Hub workspace for the cyber tech, digital and creative sectors.
The grant will fund improvements to the neighbouring open space surrounding the Cheltenham Minster.
‘Re-invigorate the local economy’
Wayne Le Montais, Acrol’s sales director, commented: “This is great for Acrol Modular, three years ago the company had a management restructure, since then the business has had steady growth in line with our business plan.
“This order gives us a great foundation to build the business further. I have to say a big thank you to the Acrol team back at the factory and in the office, who have given up their evenings and weekends to hit deadlines over the last couple of years.
“This truly endorses the fact that we have a great team behind us, all working hard for the same goals.”
Le Montais added: “The Minster Exchange will also provide a new home for Cheltenham Festivals to deliver a programme of events throughout the year and a platform to support its education and outreach initiatives.
“The flagship scheme will bring to life an under-utilised urban space in the heart of Cheltenham’s conservation area.
“The overall project will help to re-invigorate the local economy, establish key linkages to the high street, support economic growth and act as a beacon in the town for the forthcoming Golden Valley Cyber development.”
‘An important and exciting period’
The air conditioning, ventilation, water, drainage as well as electrical systems will also be managed by sister company Acrol Air Conditioning Limited, which will be integrated into the building both in their Gateshead factory and on site.
Acrol Modular co-director, William Johnson, said: “We were delighted to be selected for this project and look forward in partnering with Workshop and Cheltenham Borough Council.
“Working on this project is important to us not only with the presence it gives us in the marketplace, but also in improving our partnering skills with companies of this stature.
“We are confident this will assist us to secure future projects of similar prestige and will help us continue to develop over the forthcoming years.
“The next few years is certainly going to be an important and exciting period for myself, Wayne and Acrol Modular Buildings.”
