Crossrail’s so-called community investment programme sees major contractors donating their expertise, time and resources to local good causes that they hope will create a lasting benefit to communities neighbouring Crossrail worksites.
The idea is that the good works might soften the blow of the disruption caused by the construction process. It is considered a likely model for future projects.
“This is one of the first times that a major infrastructure project has sought to realise significant commitments from contractors in terms of their own time and money to improve local communities and is setting the standard for future large construction projects,” said Crossrail chairman Terry Morgan.
Laing O’Rourke & Strabag JV, carrying out piling works for Farringdon station, have donated £10,000 to Islington’s Word2012 Festival, aimed at promoting reading and literacy.
Costain Skanska JV, piling contractor at Bond Street, has started to donate 100 staff hours preparing lunch for the homeless in Westminster.
The same contractor’s Paddington station site plans several initiatives, including giving nearly 100 staff hours to Hallfield Primary School to help improve reading skills of pupils.
Vinci, working in Liverpool Street, has formed a partnership with City Gateway to improve employability in deprived communities in Tower Hamlets.
At Whitechapel, BNK (BAM Nuttall/Kier) intends to support local employment schemes. It has also promised a new kit for local football team Senrab FC and to help out with some gardening.
BBMV (Balfour Beatty/Morgan Sindall/Vinci), piling at Tottenham Court Road, has promised a donation to the Safer Soho crime prevention scheme.
BFK (BAM/Ferovial/Kier), constructing Crossrail’s western tunnels, is still in talks with local groups about what it might do to help the most impacted areas.
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