By Lynda Myer
The responsibility of restarting the construction process on two new railway stations on the Walsall to Wolverhampton line after the collapse of original contractor Buckingham Group, is up to Kier.
Following that Buckingham went into administration, ground preparation works on the Willenhall and Darlaston railway station sites was halted last month.
Being announced as replacement contractor by client West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Kier acquired Buckingham’s rail division following the collapse.
Considering that both the budget and timescales for completion are due to be revised following a detailed review over the coming weeks and months, the WMCA Board will rubber stamp the move on Friday.
According to Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair: “For Buckingham Group staff who were working on Willenhall and Darlaston stations, the last few weeks have understandably been a difficult time. That’s why it’s great news that we will see many of them back on site now that we have reached agreement with Kier. We wanted any pause or disruption in works to be kept to an absolute minimum and we worked closely with Kier to resolve this matter swiftly.”
Also Joe Incutti, group managing director, Kier Transportation, added: “We’re pleased that the contract novation for the Willenhall and Darlaston station projects has been completed, following our acquisition of parts of the Buckingham Group. We can now remobilize the team and continue our work on this important project. Connecting people is our common goal in Kier Transportation. We are therefore delighted to be working with West Midlands Combined Authority on this project, and to have the opportunity to build an enduring relationship with the authority to support its ambitions in the region.”
