Best Partnership with a Main Contractor

Working closely with Flintshire Building Control, the David McLean Partnership has been in the happy position of being able to deliver superb quality projects. Since the deal between Flintshire and David McLean was signed in August 1999, the partnership has grown in size and scope, with projects ranging from industrial and commercial schemes to, more recently, hotels, retail centres, multistorey student accommodation and private apartments.

The finalists

North Yorkshire council and S Harrison Construction

The collaboration between North Yorks council and Malton-based contractor S Harrison has produced many terrific projects over the year – the most impressive being Merchant Exchange on the banks of the river Ouse in York. A nightmare site, with flooding problems and conservational considerations hindering development for many years, what was Varvills warehouse is now a mixed-use scheme with cafe–bar, offices, apartments and penthouses with roof terraces, bringing this residential area back to life. That’s some teamwork.

Restormel council and McAlpine Joint Venture

The partnership working on one of the most celebrated and iconic recent schemes in the country could not go without a mention in this shortlist. As main contractor on the Eden Project in Cornwall, the McAlpine Joint Venture had to come up with some unique solutions – such as fire engineering on the massive biomes, for example, or ensuring the staff facilities building complied with Part L. This is where Restormel Building Control came in. Seconding a dedicated officer to work with McAlpine on site at the Eden Project, the team was able to come to a deep understanding and work together to find the best way to build this landmark project.