Contractor promises to maximise use of local subcontractors and labour on football ground revamp

Kier has been appointed for a 拢50m redevelopment of Plymouth Argyle football club鈥檚 Home Park ground.

The scheme includes a new grandstand, 10-screen cinema, ice rink and a hotel with work now expected to begin next month and complete in 20215.

Kier boasts a long history of working in the city and club owner the Akkeron Group, which took over the club in 2011 after it went into administration, said it had been keen to find a main contractor who would prioritise local labour and help develop construction skills in nearby schools and colleges.

Mark Jones, head of Akkeron Regeneration, said: 鈥淲e are delighted that this process can get under way and it reinforces our commitment to using local businesses and labour in order to maximise the employment and economic benefits of the scheme for Plymouth.

鈥淭his programme ensures that we invest in the future of our young people and those seeking a move into construction industry after what has been a difficult period.鈥

Kier said it is now inviting local subcontractors to express interest in working on the scheme.

鈥淜ier has a strong Plymouth heritage, having had a base here for 80 years and as the preferred main contractor for the Higher Home Park project, it will be our priority to draw on the skills of the local supply chain in the city,鈥 said Kier Construction regional managing director Anthony Irving.

Businesses interested in working on the Higher Home Park project should email Kier at: homeparksc@kier.co.uk