The public can get a preview of Willmott Dixon’s work to create a new members’ complex for The All England Lawn Tennis Club at Wimbledon as part of Open Doors week between 4-9 October.
Nearly 30 Willmott Dixon sites across England and Wales are taking part in a week that aims to provide a glimpse of the exciting world of construction and the many opportunities within it for people to enjoy a rewarding career.
Led by BuildUK, Open Doors is an annual event that allows thousands of people to go behind the hoardings and learn how the building project in their community is being constructed, as well as meet those responsible for it.
Notable Willmott Dixon projects taking part, alongside the Wimbledon members’ complex, are LTE Group’s Manchester city centre campus and the landmark EMD Cinema renovation in Walthamstow. The company is also opening its Nottingham office to showcase its futuristic Building Information Modelling (BIM) cave.
John Waterman, chief operating officer at Willmott Dixon, said, “Open Doors provides a platform for young people, job seekers and members of the local community to see what makes our industry so special.
“There are many job roles within construction, including project management, surveying and estimating as well as jobs not traditionally site based, including design, bid submissions, communications, marketing and sales.
“Open Doors is also an opportunity to promote diversity and inclusion, and challenge stereotypes. We want to achieve gender parity in our business within the next decade and attract the best people. To achieve this, it is essential we showcase the opportunities in construction to those who may not have previously considered the sector as a career choice.”
Suzannah Nichol, Build UK Chief Executive, added “There is nothing quite like visiting a construction site, whether it is a major project you have seen on the news or one in your local area, to get an idea of just how exciting a career in construction can be.
“Open Doors gives everyone the opportunity to go through the site gates to see just what goes on and perhaps even spot your ideal job! If you are thinking about your future, exploring your options, or just fancy a look, then book your visit or take advantage of our interactive online events to find out more.”
All of Willmott Dixon’s nominated sites are open for bookings on the Open Doors website until the 24 September. Participating in the campaign is just one of many programmes Willmott Dixon initiates under its ‘purpose beyond profit’ ethos. During 2020 the company committed £1.07m worth of its people’s time, skills and donations donated to support local communities – equivalent to £524 for every employee.
Willmott Dixon sites participating in Open Doors 2021
1. Bardon Waste Transfer Station – Leicestershire
2. BIM Cave – Virtual Reality Room – Nottingham
3. Bingham Arena
4. Bro Ddyfi Community Hospital – Machynlleth
5. Chiltern Vale Integrated Health and Care Hub – Dunstable
6. City Campus Manchester
7. Dorset County Hospital Multi-Storey Car Park – Dorchester
8. Former Granada/EMD – Walthamstow
9. Frank Towell Court – Hounslow
10. Gascoigne East – Barking
11. Iveshead Secondary School – Leicestershire
12. London & South Weybridge Office – Weybridge
13. London South Bank University – London
14. Maelfa Wellbeing Hub – Cardiff
15. Millford Green – Net-Zero Carbon Retirement Village – Caddington
16. Morpeth Leisure Centre and Community Hub – Morperth
17. Northgate Yard – Bridgwater
18. Portslade
19. Queens Drive Site 1 Phase A & B – Swindon
20. RaisE Business Centre and Innovation Hub – Goole
21. Rother Living – Rotherham
22. Sandwell Integrated Health and Care – Dudley
23. Somerset Road, Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis Club
24. The Marches – Wolverhampton
25. Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys
26. University of Wolverhampton
27. Wellington House – Leeds
28. YMCA – Watford
29. Perry Barr (via Lendlease) – Birmingham