Construction Underway

The traditional ground-breaking ceremony has marked the start of construction on The Forum Southend-on-Sea.

Main contractor Wates Construction is now on site working to complete the £27 million project, one of the first of its kind in the country, by the autumn of 2013. The Forum Southend-on-Sea in Elmer Approach will provide a new public and academic library for the town, a new teaching facility for South Essex College and new research and learning facilities for the University.

It will also be a new home for the Focal Point Gallery, a new cafe and a new lecture theatre.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Councillor Derek Jarvis said: “This ground-breaking event marks the ceremonial start of a ground-breaking venture.

“We are immensely proud of this joint project, which is one of the first of its kind in the country, and it is a tribute to trailblazing partnership working.”

Registrar at the University of Essex Bryn Morris said:”Today marks a major step forward for The Forum Southend-on-Sea as the building work gets underway. This project is a vital addition to the University’s growing presence in the town and we look forward to seeing The Forum Southend-on-Sea come to life.”

John Hayles, Acting Principal and Chief Executive of South Essex College, said: “It’s great to help kick off The Forum Southend-on-Sea project with all the partners at this ground-breaking ceremony.  It’s amazing to think that in around 18 months from now we’ll have gone from a site full of rubble to an inspiring new library and learning facility for the public and College and University students alike.”

The Council is providing £12.5 million towards the cost of the scheme, with the University contributing £10.4 million and the College £4 million.

The photograph shows:- from left to right Vice-Chancellor of the University of Essex, Professor Colin Riordan, The Mayor of Southend-on-Sea Councillor David Norman and Acting Principal and Chief Executive of South Essex College John Hayles.

For further information please contact the University of Essex Communications Office on 01206 872400 or comms@essex.ac.uk