Construction work continues at pace on the transformative East Bank project – the new powerhouse of culture, education and innovation and growth as LLDC today announces the award of a further five of the 35 construction packages.

The Mayor’s Office granted planning permission in June 2019 for the 4.25 hectare Stratford Waterfront site which will see new buildings for Sadler’s Wells dance theatre, the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), the BBC and a new campus for UAL’s London College of Fashion.

East Bank includes sites for UCL East in the south of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and for a new V&A Collection and Research Centre at Here East in the north of the Park.

East Bank is taking shape following construction work starting on site in July 2019, the installation of Carpenters Land Bridge on Christmas day – a new pedestrian and cycle bridge connecting East Bank to International Quarter London and over 400 workforce now on site.

UAL’s London College of Fashion is now coming out of the ground and is being developed at pace.

The construction programme will see more than 1,500 people at peak working on site, at least 30 per cent of whom will be local residents, and peak of over 50 apprentices on site.

The £1.1bn scheme is receiving £385m funding from the Mayor of London and £151m funding from the Government.

The transformative scheme – spread across three sites – will be at the heart of a growing east London cluster of commerce, technology, manufacture, retail, education, culture and the creative industries.

East Bank will provide skills and jobs for local people, attracting visitors from around the world, bringing more than 10,000 students to the site, delivering 2,500 jobs, a £1.5 billion boost to the economy and 600 new homes. At least 50 per cent of new homes across the remaining development sites on the Park will be affordable, in line with the Mayor’s commitment to provide 50 per cent affordable housing on public land.

Rosanna Lawes, Executive Director of Development at the London Legacy Development Corporation, said: “

“We are pleased to have made so much progress on site and we are gaining real momentum in delivering this major project for London and the UK.  East Bank will be a powerhouse of culture, education and innovation with world-class institutions. We want the best that industry has to offer to help maintain the high standards of construction already established on the Park.”

Mace is the London Legacy Development Corporation’s project management partner and principal contractor for the East Bank development.

AWARD PACKAGES

Package: BBC and Sadler’s Wells Frame Works

Contractor: Kilnbridge Construction Services Ltd

Based in east London, Kilnbridge were appointed by LLDC to undertake the construction of the frames of the BBC and Sadler’s Wells buildings at East Bank.  The £30m contract was awarded in January 2020 and the works will start on site in April 2020.  The scope of works includes the structural concrete and steelwork frames, secondary steelwork, cores, slabs, floors, columns, staircases, ramps, transfer structures and associated waterproofing to support roof structures and create auditoriums. They will create in-situ concrete box and front of house structure, acoustic box in box structures to studios, concrete required for architectural features including concrete canopy, art wall and bench.

“Founded in 1992, Kilnbridge began as a building and civil engineering contractor undertaking work packages on the Canary Wharf development. Today, Kilnbridge is an award-winning construction and engineering business that works on multi-million-pound projects across London. Our head office has proudly remained in the “Growth Borough” of Newham since our inception, nearly 30 years ago. 

Dermot McDermott, Managing Director of Kilnbridge, said:

“It is a pleasure to once again work with LLDC, not only on a major development but one that will benefit our local area for so many years to come. As a local business based minutes away from Stratford, we have had the privilege of working with and seeing the LLDC transform Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park over the years. We have worked alongside LLDC on the London Aquatics centre and the former broadcast and media centre.”

Package: University of the Arts London (UAL) Frame Works

Contractor: Expanded Ltd

LLDC has appointed Expanded Ltd to undertake the construction of the frame of the UAL building at East Bank.  The £35m contract was awarded in September 2019 and the works started on site in November 2019.  The scope of works includes the in-situ concrete frame, in-situ cores, in-situ slabs/floors, steel frames, precast floors/panels, cast-in situ and pre-cast columns, transfer structures, PT slabs and beams, temporary waterproofing; and in-situ and precast concrete ramps and staircases.

Peter Lyons, Business Unit Leader from Expanded, said: “It’s a great privilege for Expanded to be given the opportunity to deliver this incredible structure. The complex nature of the scheme aligns with Expanded and Laing O’Rourke’s engineering led approach, engaging our full range of capabilities including our off-site manufactured components, Select tower cranes and our directly employed staff and workforce. We’ve assembled some of our brightest and best to ensure we deliver total certainty on this project. I look forward to seeing East Bank come to life in the coming months.”

Package: V&A East Frame Works

Contractor: Bourne Steel Limited

LLDC has appointed Bourne Steel Limited to undertake the construction of the structural steel frame and associated works of the V&A East building at East Bank. 

The £11.6m contract was awarded in January 2020 and the works will start on site in July 2020. 

The scope of works includes the structural and secondary steelwork, including intumescent fire protection and decorative finishes, precast concrete floor slabs with structural toppings, holo-rib deck and in-situ concrete floors and toppings.

Bourne Steel Managing Director, Nick Hatton added:

“Bourne Steel are delighted to have been awarded the contract to deliver the V&A structural frame package and to be working on such a prestigious project as the East Bank development for LLDC.”

Package: Precast Concrete Works

Contractor: Techrete (UK) Ltd

LLDC has appointed Techrete (UK) Ltd to undertake the design, manufacture and installation of the precast concrete facades for the UAL’s London College of Fashion, BBC and V&A East buildings at East Bank.  The £18m contract was awarded in February 2020 and the works will start on site in September 2020.  The scope of works includes a precast cladding system; secondary steel; fire protection; acoustic and thermal insulation; and cast-ins for the three buildings.

Marcus Sweeney, Techrete Chairman, said: “Techrete are delighted to have won the contract for this prestigious development encompassing what will be three iconic buildings.  We look forward to working closely with all involved in this exciting project at East Bank”

Package: University of the Arts London; Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health Works

Contractor: Michael J Lonsdale Ltd

LLDC has appointed Michael J Lonsdale Ltd to undertake mechanical, electrical and public health works at East Bank.  The £33m contract was awarded in February 2020 and the works will start on site in August 2020.  The scope of works include mechanical services such as heating systems, extract systems and building management systems; electrical services such as power supplies, security systems and lighting controls; and public health systems such as water and drainage systems.

Gary Herbert, Group Managing Director from Michael J Lonsdale Ltd, said:

“We are thrilled to have been awarded the contract to carry out the mechanical, electrical and public health services at the new campus for UAL’s London College of Fashion. Michael J Lonsdale want to be involved in exciting new projects such as East Bank that will leave a lasting legacy and inspire future generations. We look forward to successfully delivering this project on behalf of LLDC.”

New opportunities will be advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union here.