Construction work is expected to continue on the stalled Smithfield development as Willmott Dixon is to be confirmed as replacement contractor for Pochin
Work on the Smithfield development came to a stop earlier this month when Pochin went into administration.
Pochin was constructing an apartment block and hotel for developer Genr8 with both contracts set to be completed by the end of this year.
Genr8 is expected to confirm Wilmott Dixon as the firm to complete the £20m Hilton Garden Inn hotel and the £17.5m Clayworks apartment block in Hanley.
It is believed Genr8 and Wilmott Dixon is now working on a schedule to ensure the Smithfield development can be finished as close to the original completion date of later this year as possible.
In comments to the Stoke Sentinel, a Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesman said: “Genr8 Developments has moved swiftly to put plans in place for the completion of its Clayworks build-to-rent apartments and the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Stoke-on-Trent’s Smithfield development since main contractor Pochin went into administration earlier this month.
“Genr8 has taken back possession of both sites and is proposing to appoint Wilmott Dixon as construction manager to complete both projects.
“Willmott Dixon is currently working closely with Genr8 to finalise programmes that will minimise any impact on project completion dates.
“Genr8 has also already appointed key members of the original site delivery team to work as part of the Genr8 construction management team on both projects, securing jobs and ensuring continued smooth progress.
“Just a week after the Pochin news was announced the team has returned to site and is meeting with key members of the existing supply chain to reassure them of Genr8’s commitment to complete the project.”
