Mace marks completion of phase 1A at firstsite in Colchester

Mace has completed phase 1A of firstsite, achieving practical completion of the building's shell. The work was delivered on schedule and under budget.

Now known by its official name firstsite, the crescent-shaped structure, clad entirely in a copper and aluminium alloy, will be a new cultural, commercial and social space for Colchester.

Colchester Borough Council's Cllr Paul Smith, Portfolio Holder for Resources and Diversity, commented: "We are delighted that we have completed the external building on time and slightly under budget. All the major structural tests have now been undertaken, including the ‘Air tightness test', which have all passed. Work on completing the interior of the building is also underway. When it opens, this building will provide a new cultural and social space for residents, businesses and visitors to Colchester, offering an exciting new venue which we hope will be used and enjoyed by many."

Director of the UK regions, Rob Ewen, said: "The last 14 months for the Mace team have been a fascinating journey, and while I recognise that we still have some way to go, the closing of phase 1A works should be seen as confidence that this project will get finished and the building will be a fantastic asset for Colchester."

Mace was initially appointed by client Colchester Borough Council in mid-2009 to carry out a strategic review of the technical and procurement challenges facing the project, and after restoring the confidence of the client and project funders, Mace was able to get work restarted on site in November 2009 with the aim of completing phase 1A, the shell, in July this year.