Hobson & Porter, Innovation based on tradition

Hobson & Porter has carried out various projects for the Goodwin Trust as part of a three year framework agreement. This includes the Octagon Centre at Walker Street in Hull. This £4m flagship project involved the construction of a new community facility including nursery, surgery, shop, offices, meeting and conference rooms, IT suites, reception area, kitchens and cafe, including external works. It was a challenging project in terms of the complex integration of mechanical and electrical services, and this required Hobson & Porter to get its key supply chain partners on board as a central part of the team.

In 2006 The Octagon landed a major award at the "Oscars" of the built environment. The project was commended in the Community Benefit category, and Hobson & Porters Managing Director Dave Watson joined the team from The Goodwin Development Trust and Westray Keith & Phelps at the glittering awards ceremony held at Londons Banqueting House. The awards were hosted by Kevin McCleod of Channel 4's Grand Designs. The project has also won the presigious British Urban Regeneration Award.

The Goodwin Development Trust was set up as a charitable organisation in 1994 by residents of the Thornton Estate in Hull who wanted to improve their quality of life and the services available on their estate. It now employs over 300 staff with a turnover of £9.2 million working across 38 sites aiming to deliver services that improve the quality of life for residents throughout the city and is recognised as an example of best practice by many organisations. Hobson & Porter has worked in partnership with The Goodwin Development Trust to deliver various projects in Hull, including The Octagon Fitness Centre, also at Walker Street, conversion of the Hooper Building on Guildhall Road into offices, and the £2m Fenchurch Street Centre.

More project information (pdf)