Kier has been appointed by the Welsh Government to build a multi-million pound Border Control Post (BCP) facility at Holyhead in North Wales, updating a hugely important link between Ireland and the UK and supporting around 700 local jobs on Anglesey.
The facility will streamline the inspection of EU goods entering Wales and is a significant investment in the future of Holyhead Port.
Office space and inspection buildings will be built on a 15-acre site just 1.7 miles from the Port of Holyhead and will feature separate inspection areas that will check for pests and disease. The inspection buildings will be large enough to facilitate all HGV sizes whilst also providing offices, staff welfare facilities and other amenities.
The first phase of the project has now begun with ground works starting on site, followed by the construction of the steel frame, roofing, cladding and glazing. The site works will also include traffic flow management lanes, fencing, staff parking, sustainable drainage, screening and other sustainable solutions such as rainwater harvesting.
A significant proportion of the project value will be procured through North Wales small businesses and the project team will provide local supply chain training and upskilling during the project build.
Kier will also work with local schools and colleges to identify learning opportunities that are aligned to the national curriculum, highlighting transferable skills for a career in construction.
A dedicated social value programme will support the delivery of 12 construction careers’ events that will be aligned with North Wales’s employment and skills’ priorities and will include events that highlight energy and environment, digital construction and career opportunities for women in construction.
"Our design and delivery team has worked closely with the Welsh Government to plan the build of this important new border post and entry point to the UK and we are excited that the project is underway.
We look forward to using our wealth of construction expertise to create a high-quality building that will bring lasting benefits to Wales."
Sarah Morton, regional director for Kier Construction North & Scotland
"I am pleased the contract with Kier is now in place to enable the completion of construction work on the new Border Control Post in Holyhead.
Holyhead Port is hugely important, both for the Welsh economy and as a vital link between the UK and Ireland. The control post will help safeguard around 700 existing jobs on Anglesey, while providing new local employment opportunities both during construction and during its operation."
Ken Skates, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Transport and North Wales
The contract has been awarded through the North Wales Construction Partnership framework.