This event was specifically focussed on those work packages which the scheme’s developer, Farrans Construction, is looking to award contracts over the coming months. These include those for hardscaping and landscaping, access equipment and control tower trades.
Suffolk County Council’s £126m Gull Wing project in Lowestoft is due to open in 2023. Along with the town centre’s masterplan and Flood Risk Management project, it is one of a number of significant infrastructure projects that will provide both short and long-term boosts for local businesses and their staff.
Farrans Construction has committed to, wherever possible, using firms with the necessary expertise within a 70-mile radius of the site.
Organised by Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and presided over by Jennifer Cushion, chair of Suffolk Chamber in Lowestoft & Waveney, the event featured talks from Bryn Griffiths, Suffolk County Council’s assistant director for major projects and planning, Tristram Browne, project manager for Farrans on Gull Wing Project and Ricky Bell, Senior Buyer for Farrans on Gull Wing Project.
Afterwards, the event divided up into different focus groups to allow the businesses present to find out more about the specific opportunities on offer for their respective sectors.
Councillor Richard Rout, deputy leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “I was delighted to see another excellent turnout for the latest meet the buyer event, giving local businesses the chance to be part of the gull Wing story. The project is already working with 30 businesses in the local area, from those providing drone and time-lapse photography to specialist marine vessels.
“These events signal the collective commitment from Suffolk County Council, East Suffolk Council and Waveney’s MP, Peter Aldous, to boosting the local economy and are important steps towards building the Gull Wing.”
Tristram Browne, Project Manager for Farrans, added: ‘We are very pleased to have been able to hold our second Meet the Buyer event for the Gull Wing Project, especially as this was the first one we have been able to hold in person. It was great to see so many local businesses able to attend. It was a very positive event, where we updated attendees on the progress on the Project so far, plus information on the remaining packages. We are looking forward to working with as many local companies as possible’
John Dugmore, chief executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “Following on from the initial meet the buyer webinar in the spring, this very focussed event shows that the Gull Wing project is progressing well and that commercial opportunities are now a reality. More will certainly follow.
Image supplied by Suffolk County Council
