Green shoots of recovery for McCarthy and Stone in Ferndown (From Thisisdorset)

Green shoots of recovery for McCarthy and Stone in Ferndown

7:00pm Thursday 9th July 2009 in

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GREEN shoots of recovery can be found in Ferndown, according to one of Bournemouth’s biggest building firms.

McCarthy and Stone has started work on its first new construction project for over a year – a development of 46 retirement apartments on Ringwood Road.

The national firm, whose iconic headquarters stands opposite the Bournemouth branch of Asda, has built over 45,000 apartments in its 30-year history since founder, John McCarthy, completed a groundbreaking development of retirement apartments in New Milton.

Construction director, Neil Calderwood, said the company, had not been immune from the effects of the economic downturn, but was now looking towards a brighter future.

“Like everyone else, we have been affected by the credit crunch and have had to make some tough decision as regards our build programme.

“Thankfully it now seems that the worst is behind us and we are beginning to see an upturn in the industry,” said Mr Calderwood.

The Ferndown development is the first time the firm has started work on a new job in a year, with contractors last picking up tools on a new job at a site in the Hampshire town of Liphook in June 2008.

Foundations are being dug at the Ringwood Road site, which construction bosses hope will open its doors next summer.

A restaurant with waitress service, a function room equipped with internet access, and a residents lounge will be included in the development of one and two bedroom apartments.

Housekeepers, a maintenance team, relief staff, a night manager, and an estate manager will ensure a 24-hour staff presence at the site.

A spokesperson for McCarthy and Stone said the firm would like to source local people for the jobs, and would invite applications from those with appropriate qualifications.

Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Queenie Comfort, welcomed the new development as an opportunity to boost the local economy.