Retail expansion in Blackburn

A total of 20 new shops, a continental style market and parking for 1,300 cars will be available when the extension to The Mall Blackburn opens in mid-2010.

Working with main contractor Taylor Woodrow, Robinson Construction is currently erecting 2,500t of steelwork for the £66M redevelopment.

Taylor Woodrow Construction Manager Matt Legg and Robinson’s Contracts Manager Rob McGann are responsible for ensuring the steelwork programme runs as smoothly as possible. Mr Legg said: “This is a fairly complex part of the build programme and requires exceptional planning and organisation to ensure the correct pieces of steel are in the right place at the right time. However, it is also one of the most rewarding, with the structure quickly taking shape over a matter of months.”

Robinson Construction’s package involves a 25 week programme, which includes 20,000m² of metal decking and the installation of all precast stairs. It is due to complete its work during August.

Commenting on the progress, Lorraine Jones, General Manager of The Mall Blackburn said: ”These are exciting times and this stage of the build process sees the project really come alive. Over the coming months consumers will be able to follow the progress of the steel silhouette taking shape.”