Businesses and tradespeople encouraged to tender for work on Uttlesford housing complex

The authority is hosting a ‘Meet the Buyer’ day in conjunction with the main contractors for the Mead Court redevelopment in Stansted Mountfitchet, Willmott Dixon, on Wednesday July 24.

Both parties have committed to sourcing half of their labour and materials for the work from within 40 miles of Stansted and 25 per cent from within 20 miles.

Cllr Howard Rolfe, cabinet member for community engagement and partnerships, whose portfolio includes economic development, said: “The council is committed to supporting the local economy and this event is evidence of us putting that commitment into practice.

“I urge tradesmen, tradeswomen and businesses interested in helping us deliver the Mead Court project to come along and talk to Willmott Dixon and our officers.”

The get-together, in the council chamber at the authority’s London Road offices in Saffron Walden, will run from 11am-7pm so that firms engaged in normal working hours do not miss out on the chance to get involved.

Planning permission to demolish 27 old sheltered housing units, 21 cramped bedsits and nine underused garages at the ageing complex in Cannons Mead was granted last month.

Twenty-nine modern and more spacious affordable properties will be built in their place, including nine two-bed bungalows, eight two-storey two and three-bed homes and eight one and two-bed flats. Four one-bedroomed flats will be built as temporary accomodation and 43 car parking spaces, four visitor parking spaces and a disabled bay will be created.

The ‘Meet the Buyer’ pledge is part of continuing efforts to support the Uttlesford economy by ensuring as many tradespeople and businesses as possible benefit from new building projects

Sub-contractors and suppliers that provide goods and services for trades such as plastering, groundworks, mechanical and electrical, roof coverings, scaffolding and soft landscaping are among those invited to attend.