Wokingham Borough Council has appointed a third contractor to complete a housing project in the town after the two previous companies went into liquidation.
The gates at the building site at the Carnival Hub flats on Wellington Road have remained closed since April 22 when Osborune Construction ceased trading.
This followed Mid Group, who was originally appointed, also entering liquidation in July 2022.
The development will eventually provide 55 energy-efficient homes.
Wokingham Borough Council, in an email to residents, revealed that Newbury-based firm Feltham Construction has been appointed to complete the works.
Feltham Construction has more than 50 years of experience, and is no stranger to Wokingham having also recently worked on the dining hall extension at the St Crispin’s School site.
It also worked on the Warren Close development in Finchampstead.
Sarah Morgan, assistant director for commercial property at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “We welcome on board our new contractor, as we look to move ahead with Carnival Place. Feltham Construction has lots of experience in delivering high-quality projects, along with a strong track record for working with local authorities, and we are delighted to be working with them.
“It is always disappointing when a contractor goes into administration, but there is an inherent risk with building contracts of this type. The council undertakes thorough checks and ensures due diligence is done when appointing all contractors.”
The project features a mixture of one and two-bedroom apartments, with a view to delivering high-quality and energy-efficient accommodation in the town centre. The apartments are due to be completed by the middle of 2025.
David Yates, director at Feltham Construction, said: “We are delighted to be working with Wokingham Borough Council on the Carnival Place residential scheme to complete the last piece of the development and bring 55 high-standard, desirable apartments to completion.
“The contemporary building design continues the architectural theme of Elms Field, incorporates a full height atrium and benefits from renewable energy sources, sustainable drainage and extensive soft landscaping that will provide sustainable, energy efficient homes at the heart of the town centre regeneration. As a Wokingham resident for many years, it will be a pleasure to help finally complete this worthy project.”
Following on from the successes of Peach Place, Elms Field and Carnival Hub, the Carnival Place residential scheme forms the last phase of the council’s wider regeneration programme that has helped to transform the town centre.
