Preferred contractor selected for Exeter Bus Station redevelopment

Exeter City Council has selected a preferred contractor for its project to create a state-of-the-art new leisure centre and new bus station in the city centre.

Construction firm Kier will carry out the enabling works necessary ahead of the building programme to construct the new facilities.
The main build contract for the leisure centre and bus station is expected to be signed later this year.

Pete Edwards, leader of the city council, said: “We are delighted to announce today that Kier has been chosen as our preferred contractor.

“Kier has a strong record in completing major projects and we very much look forward to working with them on the redevelopment of this key city centre site.”

Cllr Phil Bialyk, lead councillor with responsibility for bus station redevelopment, said: “It is great news to announce our partnership with Kier on this crucial redevelopment project.

“There is still some work to do, but I can’t wait for the construction work to finally get underway. Everyone knows that we desperately need a brand new leisure centre and bus station in the city, and this is another milestone on the road to delivering it.”

Brian Rice, Operations Director at Kier, said: “This is a hugely exciting new development for the people of Exeter. The new bus station will provide vital new infrastructure and the leisure centre will offer first-class facilities for the community to enjoy.

“We are delighted to have been chosen as preferred contractor and we look forward to delivering these new projects that will leave a lasting legacy in the area.”

Kier will undertake the enabling works from now until October 2018. The enabling works are part of the council’s approach to manage the risks on the site. 
The works include demolishing the waiting room and canopy above, carrying out archaeological investigations, carrying out site investigations / contamination reports including potentially removing contamination, undertaking utility diversions and installing incoming services, and installing a substation.

The enabling works will help to inform the final contract price. A report will then be drawn up for members of the council’s Programme Board to consider in October or November 2018.