£1.6m refurbishment contract won by SPV

Work on the £1.6 million contract at Albany House, near to the Chinese quarter, began this month.

Initially scaffolding work is being undertaken with all the concrete repairs taking place before Christmas.

Albany House in Hurst Street, immediately adjacent to the Hippodrome Theatre, includes both cellular and open plan office suites approached via a marbled entrance lobby.

SPV has been appointed as the main contractor to refurbish the entire building.

The project consists of repairing isolated cracks and defects in the existing cladding panels; removal of the existing metal windows and replacement with powder coated aluminium framed double glazed windows.

The contract also involves overcladding the building with Marley Eternit Natura fibre cement panel cladding system .

External security shutters are also to be replaced together with re-facing existing brickwork to ground floor elevations.

A link at each floor level will be formed to infill the inset to the front elevation. Protection and reinstatement of the internal building will be required as the works are carried out.

The works will ensure that the exterior of the building is updated with a new modernised glossy look and also bring it up to date with all building regulations.

SPV director Kate Whatley said that the project would not be creating new jobs, but would guarantee work for those involved for the length of the 52-week programme.

The group, which has its offices in Westgate and employs 100 full time staff, has been going for 12 years and specialises in refurbishment work.

"This contract will be one of the largest we have undertaken.

"Although we are based in the West Midlands we work nationwide. We have roofing, cladding, glass, concrete, shop fitting and scaffolding divisions.

"Our main clients are in the retail sector and include Lidl, Iceland and Holiday Inn," added Mrs Whatley.

SPV has recently completed the new concept Iceland store at Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. It was the first store of the kind for Iceland Frozen Foods.

The company, which has more than 40 years industry experience, is a preferred contractor to a large variety of clients including LRG Hotels, Queens Moat House, J D Wetherspoons, Rank Group Gaming Division, Odeon Cinemas,, Bookers Cash and Carry, Mackays Stores, Esporta Group and Midlands Co-operative Society.

SPV Group is also a specialist schools roofing advisor and installer and has capacity to undertake both large and small refurbishment projects during term time or during holidays.

It has a transport fleet of more than 40 vehicles including heavy goods vehicles

The growing group, which had turnover of £8.5 million, is also currently looking for experienced liquid waterproofing installers.

SPV is attending The Cooperative Property Conference at the International ConventionCentre in Birmingham city centre on Thursday.