Acorn Aluminium has been awarded the contract to supply, manufacture and install Kawneer aluminium curtain walling and doors to a key element of a prestigious award-winning project which aspires to double the size of Leeds city centre and create thousands of jobs.
The 253-hectare South Bank Regeneration scheme is transforming former industrial areas into a vibrant new community, included in which is the £210 million Points Cross development, a collection of five multi-storey residential buildings plus cafes, restaurants, offices and shops on the former Evans Halshaw site.
Acorn Aluminium has secured a contract worth almost £1 million to supply Kawneer AA100 Curtain wall system and AA720 Aluminium Doors to the project, which range in height from six to 20 storeys.
Acorn Commercial Director Paul Stevens explained why its systems had been selected for the prestigious build:
“This is a high specification installation in a high-profile project right in the heart of Leeds, with the scope to develop future partnerships going forward on this and other projects – so it’s a fantastic business win for us. There are future builds on this plot so its important we show that there is an advantage to continuity”
When finished next year, Points Cross will provide more than 928 contemporary city centre homes, some 300 of which will be shared ownership/affordable rent.
Principal contractor United Living is delivering the DK-Architects project on behalf of developer The Guinness Partnership.
A key element of the plan is close liaison with Leeds College of Building, UTC Leeds and the Ruth Gorse Academy to support some 19 apprentices and 140 work placements during the construction phase.
The Guinness Partnership is one of the largest providers of affordable housing and care in England and the Leeds initiative – which won a project award at the Housing Design Awards – the largest single-consented residential scheme in its 129-year history. Overall, the project will deliver a 20% improvement on Building Regulations Part L and include 10% renewable energy sources.