A number of local and regional businesses attended a special event today to see whether they could be involved in the scheme to build the brand new community hospital and civic centre in Selby - the Selby Community Project.

The Selby Community Project is a partnership between Selby District Council and NHS North Yorkshire and York Community and Mental Health Services; who plan to move into a brand new building adjacent to the existing War Memorial Hospital next year. 

More than 40 representatives from local construction trades, alongside support services such as security, catering and cleaning, attended the event which was run in collaboration with the appointed building contractor for the project - BAM Construction.

Speaking on behalf of the project, Leader of Selby District Council, Cllr Mark Crane, said, "It is fantastic to see such a great response to this event. It has given a number of local and regional firms the opportunity to compete for work on what is an important community project.

"As there are strict criteria for companies who want to be involved, to ensure that the project is delivered on time and to budget - and this has given them the opportunity to find out in much more details just how they can get involved.

"It is also a practical step that helps the Council meet one of our long-term goals of promoting prosperity."

Managing Director of NHS North Yorkshire and York's Community and Mental Health Services, Janet Probert, added, "It's great to see that the project is not only going to bring huge benefits for the health and wellbeing of the local population, but is also giving local business the opportunity to get involved - especially during this difficult financial time."

BAM operates to high standards and used the event to talk to companies about issues such as health and safety and quality requirements for those applying for supplier contracts.

John Phillips, BAM Construction Director, said, "It was a great turnout and opportunity to liaise directly with the local supply chain. And I hope it will be the catalyst for creating many jobs in the area."

Further details about the Selby Community Project can be found by clicking here.