The Nuclear AMRC (Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre), on the boundary of Rotherham and Sheffield, has been praised by inspectors for the considerate way the £25m facility is being delivered. The Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) conducted an inspection of the innovative business project led by the University of Sheffield and scored it against eight criteria such as its approach to the environment, being a good neighbour and its attitude to safety and responsibility. The site scored 74 out of 80 half marks, placing it inside the UK’s best performing one per cent of sites. Last year the CCS conducted over 14,000 inspections across the country. The construction team behind the facility, Yorkshire’s BAM Construction, said they were delighted to have their work recognised. Nick Howdle, project manager, commented: ‘This is a very special project with some unusual construction aspects. Parts of this building will have to bear the weight of 80-tonne machinery for example, and require thick wedge-shaped slabs of concrete to create the exceptional deflection that requires.’ Mr Howdle, from Pontefract, retains oversight of BAM’s refurbishment of the Arts Tower also a project for the University of Sheffield. He added: ‘How we build is as important as the quality of what we build. Creating first class buildings needs a first class attitude. That can only be done in partnership with your client, and listening to them and the community around them. I can say we have formed a very strong working bond with the University and this will keep our challenging programme on track.’ The Nuclear AMRC’s inspection awarded maximum marks for the project being a good neighbour and its responsibility, and singled out several aspects for praise such as its engagement of apprentices, involving local schools in learning opportunities, conducting random drug and alcohol tests, improving literacy and its thoughtful occupational health arrangements. The site has CCTV security. In addition, Nick and his team have raised thousands of pounds for charity by participating in cycling and running events. David Briggs, Project Manager at the University of Sheffield said: ‘The University fully supports the Considerate Contractors Scheme. This is an excellent result by the BAM team and they are to be congratulated on this.’ The 8000 square-metre project is funded by Department of Business, Industry and Skills, Yorkshire Forward and the European Regional Development Fund and will be sponsored and used by firms such as Rolls-Royce, Areva and Westinghouse whom it will bring together in collaboration. The Nuclear AMRC is a collaboration between the Universities of Sheffield and Manchester.
