Higgins Construction has taken the Excellence in Employment, Skills and Training — Contractor Award at this year’s South Region TPAS Awards 2018.
Jeff Joseph, Community Investment Manager at Higgins Construction said: “We are extremely pleased to have won the TPAS award for Kings Crescent in the London Borough of Hackney and gain recognition for the sterling work all the team that has been carried out to address worklessness in the area and encourage local people into employment.
“Working on Kings Crescent has transformed the way in which Higgins works when delivering economic benefits. We have introduced new initiatives and procedures in order to achieve the KPIs set by LB Hackney and despite the challenges we have been able to deliver some outstanding results with individuals securing sustainable employment, achieving industry recognised qualifications and greatly improving their status.”
The TPAS awards showcase the compelling and inspirational success stories of tenants, landlords and contractors working together and celebrate the people, ideas and organisations that shape the tenant involvement work of tomorrow.
The TPAS judges commented: “The judges were extremely impressed with the Kings Crescent project and the tangible outcomes that have been achieved. This is an excellent example of cohesive and collaborative working that has been invaluable to individuals, the community and stakeholders. The project has a real focus on equality and diversity and has demonstrated lasting impact — the stats truly speak for themselves. Congratulations to all involved.”
After nearly 36 months onsite at Kings Crescent, Higgins has invested over £500,000 on a contract worth £65m, delivered 26 apprentices, completed 19 apprenticeships, created 50 work placements against a target of 25, provided 77 CSCS cards against a target of 50 and 31 people entered sustainable employment.
Philip Glanville, Mayor of Hackney, said: “Regeneration is about more than bricks and mortar, and as well building the new genuinely affordable council homes we need, it’s vital that we create new job and training opportunities for local people — as well as apprenticeships for the next generation to learn their trade.
“This award is much deserved. Our partnership with Higgins has delivered these opportunities, and it’s been fantastic to see some of our local residents playing a key part in building the new homes at the centre of their community.”
Higgins was appointed by Hackney Council for the first phase of Kings Crescent Estate to develop 273 new-build properties and external refurbishment works to a further 101 homes. The regeneration project is increasing the number of council homes for social rent from 195 to 275, renovating 101 existing homes to beyond the Decent Homes standard, as well as 115 new homes for shared ownership and 376 homes for private sale to help pay for all the works in the absence of government funding.
