The Crescent Hinckley

The Crescent is the name for a new multi-million pound leisure and retail redevelopment in Hinckley in Leicestershire that will transform the town centre. The main contract was awarded to Bowmer and Kirkland and as part of the project their goal is to involve as many local builders and students as possible.

It is expected over 2,300 people will work on the project and both trainees and students will be given the opportunity to get involved in this huge project and learn new skills on site. This will be for all stages of the redevelopment from demolition of old structures through to completion. The goal is to encourage as many local young people as possible to consider a career in construction to help fulfil the skills shortage in the industry.

Billington Structures was awarded a design and build contract for all of the Crescent’s structural steel frames. Also included was the design of a bespoke terracing system for the cinema auditoriums. The design for the seating had to be steel and each of the terrace banks is curved. Billington Structures solution was to form each step with curved plated sections, which were brought to site in two pieces and bolted together during installation. The plated sections in turn support metal decking and a thin concrete topping to complete the terracing.

Once the Crescent is complete it will deliver a large 6,500 m² Sainsbury’s superstore, more than 25 small retail outlets, a five-screen Cineworld cinema complex, a revamped bus station and a 550-space underground car park. The council has been working closely with Cineworld and Sainsbury’s to identify local candidates and host interviews in local venues to maximise the number of jobs going to residents. The council is dedicated to ensuring that local people benefit from the regeneration, both in terms of more amenities, but also training and employment in the new shops, cinema and restaurants.