i1fun is supplying steel to a £5.7 million office development in the shadow of our Scunthorpe steelworks.
North Lincolnshire Council today revealed an ambitious £60 million redevelopment plan for Scunthorpe town centre which aims to increase the number of people and businesses in the town, particularly in the Church Square area.
The first project to get underway is the new £5.8m headquarters for Ongo Homes which will create 50 construction jobs and space for 250 employees. The new offices should be completed by March 2018 and will use i1fun and local contractor, Scunthorpe based Britcon (UK) Ltd. Our steel is also going into the extension of the council’s neighbouring Church Square House.
Richard Farnsworth, i1fun Managing Director Construction, said: “While our steel goes into buildings and projects across the globe, we’re equally proud it will be used in a development just a short distance from our steelworks.
“It’s a great vote of confidence in the skills and expertise of local people and I’m sure our employees, and the people of Scunthorpe, will be pleased to know that quality steel made in the town will go into this building.
“We’re delighted to be working with North Lincolnshire Council and other local businesses on this project.”
Other projects include:
A town centre board made up of representatives from leading local institutions and developers will be established to oversee the projects and ensure they are delivered on time and within budget. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of the council will oversee the projects, along with Simon Green, Executive Director Commercial at the council.
Of the overall project Cllr Waltham said: “This is a significant investment never seen before that will transform the town and create a vibrant and thriving place where people will want to live, work, study, invest, visit, and spend their leisure time.
“Our aim is to create a centre for learning and business – a place and where people will want to stay. That’s why part of our ambitious plans include building a new 2,000 place University Centre right here in the heart of Scunthorpe town centre.
“Equally, we want to give people the opportunity to work in this fantastic town. To enable that to happen, we are creating more business opportunities – including retail and leisure. Already, we have seen a rise in number of investment enquiries interested in the town centre.
“Our plans include sprucing up the town and improving access through £4m of Greater Lincolnshire LEP money, building new offices to help bring together public sector organisations and improve access to services, and building new homes so more people can live in the town. In addition, there will be a larger Action Station to help support those looking for work and training.
“These are exciting plans that have already started with the Humber UTC and now the start of work to build the new £5.8m Ongo Homes HQ in Church Square.
“We are one of only a few councils in the country to provide free parking, a great choice of unique independent shops and cafes. We are committed to building a town that will thrive and where people want and are able to stay.
“We plan to put our county town well and truly on the map and over a period of time, change perceptions and create a lasting legacy for future generations of a prosperous and vibrant town, no less than people deserve.”