1,000th worker welcomed to Fort Dunlop

With Fort Dunlop's phased opening just round the corner, award-winning property developer, Urban Splash, welcomed the 1,000th construction worker to the former tyre factory and future commercial site.

With Fort Dunlop's phased opening just round the corner, award-winning property developer, Urban Splash, welcomed the 1,000th construction worker to the former tyre factory and future commercial site.

Upon arrival, 41 year-old David Hewlett of the Sutton Coldfield-based structural repairs and restoration company, Prestec UK , was presented with a bottle of champagne and a framed montage of Fort Dunlop past and future by Urban Splash Director, Guy Jackson and Frank Walsh, Construction Manager.

Having stood derelict for a quarter of a century, work started in December 2004 to remodel the landmark building into a world class office, retail and leisure space.

As part of Fort Dunlop's transformation, a wide array of construction workers and trades people has been used to get the building into tip top shape.

With more than 40 local companies having worked on the project, every type of trade and profession has been involved in breathing new life into the building, including conservation consultants, glaziers, plasterers, electricians, ground workers, blast cleaners, specialist coaters, stone conservators and brick layers, amongst others.

David Hewlett, of Prestec UK , is the 1,000th worker, "Having been brought up in its shadow, I've always had an interest in Fort Dunlop".

"I love the way that it has been redesigned as a commercial space, with all of the features retained, but with striking additions that really make it work as a stunning contemporary landmark".

"I feel honoured and privileged to have been part of its new future, and in working with such a conscientious and honourable developer".

Guy Jackson is Urban Splash's West Midlands Director, "Together with hundreds of trades people and workers, we have truly put our heart and soul into reinventing a building that deserves a future".

"Welcoming the 1,000th worker on site is a symbolic moment for Urban Splash that Fort Dunlop will, within a few months, be open for business." Nathan Cornish is Associate Director at Urban Splash, "With space from just £10 per square foot, interest has been understandably high".

"David is joining a development programme that is well on track; Fort Dunlop will be ready for tenants to occupy by the Summer this year".

At well over an acre per floor, Fort Dunlop offers the largest floor plates available outside of the M25.

Occupiers will be able to enjoy the UK's largest living grass roof, whilst guests can relax in the retail and leisure on offer and rest their head at night in the new 100-bedroom hotel that also makes a striking architectural statement.

Tenants of Fort Dunlop will enjoy a key location that is the gateway to Birmingham: just 10 minutes from Birmingham City Centre via the A47 Heartlands spine road; 15 minutes drive from Birmingham International Airport train station and the NEC and just one minute from the M6 and the heart of the country's motorway network (the M5, M40, M42, M54, M69 and M1).

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