The new facilities will be utilized by around 10,000 schoolchildren, families and adults each year to learn key skills of sustainable gardening and enjoy the life-enriching opportunities it brings, stated an RHS spokeswoman.
Paul Goyea, William Birch’s construction director, stated: a demanding task had been set to its project team to supply a building with a bespoke design and high quality finish.
“Considerable effort has already been invested by all participants in developing the competition lead design so that it meets the client’s stringent budgetary control; and by extensive value engineering the team was pleased to able to offer the building within a £2,150,000 budget,” Goyea added.
“What is satisfying about having secured the build for this unusual teaching facility is that it allows Birch to continue its relationship with sustainable development.”
Goyea also said that the construction will begin on site in April 2009, with close by the end of January 2010.
Head of estates for RHS, David Alexander, stated: it had been crucial for the main contractor to share society’s commitment to the environment and take on a partner role, and William Birch’s tender document had met all criteria.
“The company demonstrated expert knowledge in the construction of sustainable buildings and the capability to deliver a learning centre and library that will be inspirational in terms of architectural and engineering design in addition to horticultural education,” stated David Alexander.
“The build process will be tremendously exciting and we are looking forward to watching the evolution of the building within its surrounding landscape.”
Goyea also reported that the project will involve 15 to 20 subcontractors from across the North Yorkshire, with a total workforce of about 60 people on site at its peak.
