The £100m
Riverlights development has reached a milestone when half of the
structure was erected to form the mighty frame of the installation. The
complex will contain the city's new bus station, two hotels, a casino
and restaurants and is situated facing the river and Morledge.
The
foundations were prepared in August and huge concrete structures which
will form the lift shaft and stairwell columns started to take shape
from last month. Since then, contractor Shepherd Construction has been
erecting the metal frame for the buildings, which will also include the
concourse of the bus station.
David Osborne, director of Derby
Riverlights, said "Work is progressing on site and the development is now beginning
to look quite notable on the city skyline, with the erection of the
steel frame and concrete stair and lift cores now partly up to the full
height of the six-storey development.
"Between
now and March 2009, we will see the remainder of the steel frame
constructed to the whole building and works to construct the floors and
internal layout within. February will see the works to the buildings' exterior
begin, with cladding of the elevations and roof, and also works begin
to fit out the new bus station, which will be open to the public late
summer or early autumn next year. The
remainder of the project will concentrate on the fitting-out of the two
new hotels, retail units and casino, which is on course to be completed
during the summer of 2010." | 