Building firm’s pride at Becketwell contract

The owner of Hodgkinson Builders has spoken of his pride at landing a contract to carry out the brickwork for the first phase of the £200 million Becketwell regeneration scheme.

The Pride Park-based firm has been selected to lay the bricks for an 11-storey building on the site of the former Debenhams store, in Victoria Street, which will feature 259 build-to-rent apartments.

The firm moved onto the site recently to begin the 12-month contract.

Ian Hodgkinson, owner and managing director of Hodgkinson Builders, said: “It’s a hugely prestigious job for us – and to be given the opportunity to build this in my hometown is immense.

“It’s a genuine legacy. It will be something we can see every day and will always be proud of doing for Derby.”

Ian said that the work, commissioned by the Becketwell regeneration project’s main contractor GMI Construction, would not only provide lots of work for his skilled team, but would also provide a golden opportunity for training much-needed apprentices.

He said: “Given the sheer size of the project and the length of time we will be working on it, a good apprentice could, in theory, learn their trade on this job alone.

“With skills shortages in almost every area of construction, we’ll certainly be taking every opportunity we can to bring more young people into the trade.

“It will benefit the construction industry as a whole, as well as increasing the skill-base in Derby city.”

The overall regeneration of Becketwell is being delivered by St James Securities. Future phases include a 3,500-capacity performance venue, offices, multi-storey car park and a public square.