MELKSHAM firm Rigg Construction (Southern) Limited have been chosen to build the new Wiltshire Air Ambulance airbase on land at Outmarsh Farm, Semington.
Rigg, based in Bowerhill, Melksham, have built many commercial, community and school projects in Wiltshire and the surrounding counties since the firm started in 1989.
Phil Rigg, the company’s managing director, said: “We are extremely proud to have been appointed as the primary contractor for Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s new airbase. The new building is a prestigious development for Wiltshire and as a local company we are delighted to be involved. As well as our own staff we will be using sub-contractors, many of whom will be local to Wiltshire and surrounding counties. We are looking forward to starting work on the project and building an airbase that the county can be proud of.”
Kevin Reed, head of operations at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “Following the granting of full planning permission by Wiltshire Council we have bought the land for our new airbase and are absolutely delighted to have appointed Rigg Construction to lead on this building project. Rigg are a Wiltshire-based company and they clearly have the ability and desire to complete this exciting project on our behalf. The new airbase will bring together our helicopter, aircrew and charity team onto one site in a central location in Wiltshire. Owning our own land and airbase will enable the charity to have full control over its future.”
The £5.1 million structure will be a two-storey building of approximately 1,500 sq m, set in just under 12.5 acres. It will include a flight and operations centre for the aircrew, a hangar for the helicopter and medical equipment, offices for the charity team and a specialist training suite.
Work is due to start on site on April 24.
The charity launched its Airbase Appeal just under three months ago and the total raised so far is just over £241,000. They need to raise £1.25 million to build and equip the airbase.
To find out how to support the Airbase Appeal, which is being backed by the Gazette & Herald, see page 10.
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