Birmingham: The community benefits that have been achieved during the first 12 months of the project to redevelop Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium are detailed in a new report published today (September 10).
Since starting work on the project for Birmingham City Council in May 2020, the lead contractor McLaughlin & Harvey (McLH) have undertaken an extensive social value programme, with the positive impact felt far and wide across all parts of the city.
Some key figures contained within the One Year On – Social Impact Report are:
- £32million of project expenditure has been with local SMEs;
- 50 voluntary, community and social enterprises based in Birmingham have benefitted from the MCLH You Matter Communities scheme, with 31 receiving financial support through small grants worth a combined total of almost £28,000;
- 233 volunteer hours contributed to 8 projects in the city through the You Matter Communities TimeBank initiative;
- 70 hours of engagement with local schools, with 4 schools offered support to enhance and upgrade their outdoor play areas;
- 100 per cent of workers have been paid the Birmingham Living Wage (higher than the national rate);
- 85 per cent of the workforce live within 30 miles of the project;
- 12 apprentices working on the project;
- 214 workers have been upskilled during their involvement on site;
- An average of £300 spent on training per employee on the project;
- 100 per cent renewable electricity supply used on site, with the project on track to meet its Net Zero Carbon commitments to deliver a certified Net Zero construction of the new Stadium.
Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “We can be proud of the fact that communities and community groups right across the city are benefitting from the Alexander Stadium project and this report shows just how the council is using its purchasing power to make a big difference.
“The redeveloped stadium will be a world-class venue, capable of hosting major events, as well as becoming a focal point for community activity in a regenerated Perry Barr.
“In addition, McLaughlin & Harvey shared our vision for this project from day one and they’ve worked hard to ensure that the social benefits have been felt in communities right across the city.
“We look forward to the final months of this project delivering yet more benefits for people and community groups across the city. This is a partnership model that sets a standard for others wanting to do business with the council in future.”
The £72.4million Stadium redevelopment project is due for completion in spring 2022 and is being part-funded funded by West Midlands Combined Authority (£25million) and the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (£20million), with the council providing the remainder of the funding.
Martin Keys, McLaughlin & Harvey Operations Director, “One year on, we can reflect on the positive impact for Birmingham that we have contributed to through jobs and skills, supply chain spend, environmental management and our community programme ‘You Matter Communities’ which has enabled us to deliver the support people want and need throughout the most difficult of times.
“We will continue to make a positive impact and contribute to the wider legacy impacts of the Alexander Stadium redevelopment.”
