March 2010 - Farnrise Sign Three Season Sponsorship Deal with Sussex County Cricket Club

Farnrise Construction  are delighted to announce their appointment as Sussex County Cricket Club’s Major Sponsor for the next three seasons. 

This arrangement will see the Farnrise branding on the LV= Championship and Friends Provident t20 kit, aswell as the brand new Clydesdale Bank 40 strip. Under the arrangement, which includes an option to extend for a further two seasons, Farnrise will be supporting cricket at all levels in Sussex and will also be sponsoring the Academy and County Age Group squads along with the age group area representative teams and the Sussex Women including their junior section.  In addition, Farnrise will be supporting the community work of Sussex Cricket and the Sussex Cricket Board, as the Club and Board seek to grow participation and develop our local talent.

Farnrise have sponsorship experience with Crystal Palace FC, though this will be our first foray into cricket.  This will be the biggest sponsorship deal in the Cricket Club’s history and shows the growing commercial interest in cricket.

From left to right: Dave Brooks SCCC Cheif Executive; Monty    Panesar, Michael Yardy Captain, Mathew Constable Group   Construction Director Farnrise Construction Ltd; Ed Joyce; Ian   Newland Group Commercial Director Farnrise Construction Ltd.

Formed in 1993, Farnrise Construction has achieved steady growth resulting in an anticipated turnover this year exceeding £35million.  The Company Head Office is in Caterham which covers projects around London and the South East and there are also regional operations from offices in Hampshire and Thames Valley.
With extensive experience of working with many bodies in Sussex, including both East and West Sussex County Councils, and Hurstpierpoint College, Farnrise were appointed as main contractors for the first phase of the County Ground development, which is currently in progress and will complete during 2011. Dave Brooks, Sussex CCC Chief Executive, said: “During the selection process for our contractors, it became clear that the senior team at Farnrise held very similar values to those of Sussex CCC.  Over the last 6 months, this relationship has developed very successfully and we look forward to welcoming Farnrise, their Board, and staff in to the Sussex family, where their commitment to all levels of the game can only support our ambitious plans to maintain our successful playing record.”
	Captain: Michael Yardy and Ian Newland of Farnrise.
Ian Davis, Sussex CCC Commercial Manager, said: “This is a great scoop for the Club and is very welcome news in such a volatile economic climate.  The profile of cricket has risen tremendously over the past few years and we have worked hard on developing a successful playing squad, which is a key attraction to major companies such as Farnrise.  We look forward to the next few years with Farnrise Construction on board as Major Sponsors.”
	From left to right: Ed Joyce, Mathew Constable, Michael Yardy, Ian Newland, Monty Panesar.

Gary Firmager, Managing Director, Farnrise Construction, said: “We are delighted with the opportunity to link up with the sport of cricket and, in particular, such a successful county as Sussex.

“We believe that the partnership formed with Sussex along with our other sporting links, will further develop our company brand and help achieve our business ambitions of becoming the leading regional contractor, with a turnover in excess of £100 million.  It is reassuring to find other like-minded organisations, such as Sussex Cricket, that share our commitment to corporate social responsibility and share our business ethics.”

Click Here to watch interview with Dave Brooks, SCCC and Mathew Constable, Farnrise on the Cricket Club's website.

March 2010 -  3 new projects for General Works Department

Another project at Box Hill School, Dorking, has been secured by Farnrise.  This £200k project being undertaken by General Works, consists of demolition and external works to the St Nicholas Block. 

A repeat Client for Farnrise, this is the 3rd project completed at Box Hill for The Governors of Box Hill Trust Ltd.

2 more education sector projects have also been secured by General Works.  The first with the London Borough of Lambeth is a £70k project of wall repairs at Charles Edward Brook School. 

The second is for external decking works at Hastings Children's Centre.  This £50k project is with East Sussex County Council.

March 2010 - New ecclesiastical work for Farnrise

Our Central region have secured a new project with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark, for the construction of a £1.5m single storey church and hall, at St Joseph's Church, Orpington.

March 2010 - New Thames Valley office secure work with Buckinghamshire County Council

Farnrise's new Thames Valley office has secured a £300k project with Buckinghamshire County Council, for the construction of new classroom block at Prestwood Junior School.

February 2010 - Farnrise on the pitch at Southampton.

Farnrise were were match day sponsors on Saturday 13th February at Southampton FC.  The game had an exciting second half with the final score being Southampton 1 - 4 Portsmouth.

Prior to kick-off Steve Jupe, Regional Director for Farnrise and Colin Dent, Business Development Director, stepped onto the pitch for photographs with team captains, Saints mid fielder Dean Hammond and Portsmouth goal keeper David James, along with referee Mr H Webb, lines men and team mascots.

Farnrise were also a given a signed shirt (opposite) which was presented to Steve Jupe by Southampton goal keeper Kelvin Davis.

February 2010 - Farnrise are Match Sponsors for Southampton V Portsmouth

Farnrise are proud to announce that they are Match Day Sponsors on Saturday 13th February 2010 for the game between Southampton and Portsmouth.

February 2010 - Announcements

I am pleased to announce that with effect from 1st February 2010, Steve Jupe and Simon Wheeler will be appointed as Directors to the Company.

Steve will take up position as Regional Director for our Southern office and Simon will take up position as Regional Director for our Thames Valley office.  We are currently negotiating offices for this region with a view to a move in March.  Until then, the Thames Valley Team of Simon, Barry, Richard and Brian will continue to work out of Caterham.

Regards

Gary Firmager

Managing Director

January 2010 - Another Phase at Hindleap Warren

Farnrise's Central Region have secured another phase with the London Youth Clubs at Hindleap Warren.  This phase is for the refurbishment and alterations of The Day Course Centre.  The £320k project will include works to the day centre, equipment store and archery centre.

Farnrise secured this project after completion of the successful first phase, which  was to build the dormitory building opposite.

January 2010 - Farnrise Southern Office get Green fingers

Our Southern office have secured a new project with the Farplants Group Ltd for the construction of a new steel frame and clad tech span horticultural building, external paving and drainage works at Yapton.  This is a £1.5m contract, starting in Mid February. Farplants is a major supplier of A-Z Shrubs, climbers, perennials, herbs, patio plants etc.

January 2010 - Education Sector Projects for Southern Office

Our Southern office  have secured a 30 week project with West Sussex CC for the construction of a new £760k hydrotherapy pool and food technology block at Fordwater School, Chichester.

Another project secured this month by Farnrise Southern is a new project with the Governors of Green Oak School, Godalming.  The £500k scheme will consist of the construction of a new classroom and gymnasium extension plus internal alterations.  The 26 week contract will start at the beginning of March.

January 2010 - A Happy New Year for Farnrise

Farnrise's Central Office at Caterham, has secured two new projects this month.

The first, is a 34 week project at Holy Rood Catholic primary school, Watford. It consists of a £715k extension and refurbishment of their teaching accommodation.

The second is a £1.5m project at LVS Hassocks School.  The refurbishment and alterations of an existing convent, will provide living accommodation for students with learning difficulties.  Starting on site at the end of the month the project will take 30 weeks.

December 2009 - Another Education Sector Project for Farnrise

Our Central region have secured a new contract with the governors of  St Clement's Catholic Primary School, West Ewell. The £600K, 26 week project consists of the the construction of a new sports hall, internal alterations and associated external works.

December 2009 - More Sporting News for Farnrise

Farnrise have secured a new project with Southampton Football Club.

Our Southern region were awarded the £2m contract for the proposed design, project management and construction of a new training ground facility at Staplewood. The contemporary building design will include a state of the art infrastructure consisting of a gymnasium, spacious changing rooms, a luxurious players restaurant and lounge, spa area, medical and treatment rooms and staff offices, as well as a dedicated media area.

The use of environmentally friendly materials will make the building very efficient, with minimal emmisions having no impact on the surrounding area.

December 2009 - Farnrise Southern office secure two new projects

Our Southern office have secured two new projects along the south coast.

The first contract, due to start in mid December 2009, is with Hallcyon Property Services Ltd.  The £20k project will complete the dilapidations works to the first floor offices of Anglo City House, Southampton.

The other project, is at Lyndhurst Methodist Church, Worthing.  The £400k project with West Sussex County Council is to complete the asbestos removal, internal refurbishment, roofing works and external paving, as well as drainage and landscaping to convert the existing church into Seldon Childrens Centre.

November 2009 - Another Royal Visit for Farnrise

Farnrise’s recent project at Boxhill School was opened by the Duke of Edinburgh on Thursday 12th November.

The opening of the music facilities at Box Hill School, Mickleham, Dorking, also coincided with the 50th anniversary of the school.

Prince Philip marked the opening by unveiling a plaque.  He then toured the new music school, took time to talk to pupils and staff and listened to the choir singing Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen in the recital room.  Later there was a full sit down meal in the main hall with around 90 guests.

Farnrise Site Manager Rob Brodie was present for the day and enjoyed the meal.  Rob was also part of the select line up to meet the Duke of Edinburgh, and shook his hand.  Following Prince Philip were His Majesty King Constantine of Greece and Queen Mary Ann of Greece, who have previously opened other buildings at the school.

Other dignitaries who attended the event included Geoffrey Marlow, chairman of Surrey County Council, and Councilor Tim Hall, chairman of Mole Valley District Council.

Farnrise worked with architect Donovan Hewitt to build the £750k two storey music facility including a new hall with recording studios, recital rooms and associated offices.

Mark Eagers, Head Teacher of the school in Mickleham, said: “This facility will benefit both current students and those who will join us in the future, enhancing further the school’s growing musical reputation.”

November 2009 - Farnrise secure project at Sussex County Cricket Club

Farnrise Construction are delighted to confirm they are main contractors for the first phase of ground development works to be carried out at The County Ground, Hove.

The project will include the construction of a new Groundsman’s facility, toilets and catering block at the North end of the ground, plus demolision of the Gilligan stand and other minor works in readiness for the major activity planned for the close season of 2010/11.  Work will commence on site in early December, with the Gilligan coming down in January.

Dave Brooks, Sussex CCC Chief Executive, said: "Appointing our Phase One main contractor is a significant step for the Club and we were delighted to have had the choice of a number of locally based companies, all of which have supported the Club for many years.  I am confident the team at Farnrise will do a fantastic job in kicking off our development and we look forward to working with them over this winter."

Mathew Constable, Group Construction Director, said: “Farnrise are very pleased to be appointed as Main Contractors for the prestigious redevelopment of the Sussex County Cricket Ground.  We see this as an exciting opportunity to work with the club and its consultants in delivering an outstanding scheme.”

November 2009 - Royal Visit to Farnrise project at Lewes Castle

His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent attended the official opening of the refurbished Lewes Castle and Barbican House on Tuesday 3rd November 2009. The £1m extensive refurbishment works, done by Farnrise and architect Overton Hart, were made possible by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and many other sources including local businesses. The Duke of Kent cut the ribbon at the entrance to the new walkway, then took a short tour of the castle.  He also signed the visitor book in the new visitor pavilion in the Gun Garden.

John Manley, Chief Executive of Sussex Past, owners of the castle since 1850, said, “The project was brilliant value for money and we are very grateful to Farnrise for completing the project.

I believe you can measure success by whether the public like it or not, and so far since it has reopened the public have returned in droves; even more than in 2008.  Therefore I would say mission accomplished.”

November 2009 - Central Region Projects in the education sector

Our Central Region office has secured two new projects. 

Work at St Catherine's School in Twickenham, is due to start this month for 44 weeks, and consists of a design and build sixth form teaching block.

Part new build and part refurbishment and conversion of existing facilities. The project consists of construction of new teaching and sixth form accommodation, including drama room, lecture theatre, swimming pool changing rooms, new library, staff offices, food technology classroom, general teaching classrooms and a new school entrance. St Catherines are a repeat client for Farnrise who completed a £400k pre prep school extension 2 years previously.

The second project is at St Pauls RC School, Thames Ditton (pictured below), for the construction of a classroom extension.  The £310k, 29 week project is due to start in January 2010.

October 2009 - Opening Ceremony at Bognor Fire Station

Wednesday 28th October, saw the official opening of the new building and facilities at West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service in Bognor Regis. 

The temporary huts used by the station's fire service cadets, and other members of the local community were refurbished and a bicycle storage area was built.  

The extension of the Fire Station itself will provide new accommodation, a gymnasium, office, lecture room, changing rooms, storage areas, a toilet, kitchenette and a project area.

County Fire Officer Mark Hood (pictured below, left) helped Peter Evans, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, unveil the plaque, positioned at the entrance to the Fire Station.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Farnrise Site Manager Darren Goodwin and Business Development Director Colin Dent.

October 2009 - More Education projects for General Works

So far this month our General Works Team has secured three new projects.  They are:

The Weald School, Billingshurst - A £150k project for West Sussex CC for the extension to form an ict suite and associated external works.

St Bernadettes Catholic Primary School, Brighton - This new project with the Governors of the St Bernadettes Catholic Primary School, is a £270k 24 week project for the construction of a new two classroom extension and associated works.

Rutherford School, South Croydon - The project for the Garwood Foundation consists of structural and enabling works within the existing school building for £70k.

October 2009 - Ecclesiastical project

This month the Central Region has secured a new project with the Parish County Council of the Church of the Good Shepherd at Carshalton Beeches.  The £1m project consists of the construction of a new church hall extension.  The programme will take 43 weeks.

September 2009 - Education Sector projects for Central Region

Our Central Region have secured two new school projects.

The first is at Westcott Primary School, Dorking, for the federated governing body.  This is a large job of £1.5m and consists of 56 weeks of extensions and alterations to the school.

The second project is at Kemnal Technology College, for the proposed construction of a new teacher training centre. The £660k project starts at the end of October for 28 weeks.

September 2009 - RIBA Award for Farnrise

Farnrise have been awarded The Downland Prize by the RIBA.

The project at St Margarets Church, Angmering was submitted to the RIBA as a contender for The Downland Prize, and of the 96 submissions, the project was finally  judged as Joint Winner last evening at an awards ceremony at the RIBA headquarters in Portland Place.

The award is considered as prestigious in architectural circles and Farnrise stood alongside Nicholas Lee Evans as Architect and the Client at the ceremony.

September 2009 - West Sussex County Council Design and Sustainability Awards

Two schemes built by Farnrise reached the final shortlist for the recent West Sussex County Council Design and Sustainability Awards and both received a commendation.

The projects were Chichester Festival Theatre, West Sussex and St Margarets Church, Angmering West Sussex.

The project at Chichester Festival Theatre, designed by Andrzej Blonski Architects, had a dual function to provide new rehearsal rooms and an education facility.   (see below).

St Margarets Church was a sensitive extension and refurbishment of this Grade 2 listed church in the village of Angmering. Prior to commencement of the new works, the pews were removed and the old wooden church floor was completely taken up.

The main element of the project was to build two new extensions to either side of the entrance to match the existing stone church. This was to provide a new meeting room and office to the Northern side and a new entrance to the Gratwicke Chapel on the Southern side. (see below).

Although the awards are aimed at the Designers and Architects for projects Farnrise were invited and attended the event alongside representatives from the Client teams.

St Margarets Church has also been put forward to the RIBA in London for a conservation/design award.

September 2009 - Ecclesiastical Sector

General Works have secured a new 24 week project at St Peter and St Pauls Church in Ashington for re-ordering works of £200k.

September 2009 -  Two new projects for Farnrise Central Office

Our central region have secured a new project with GPG no3, for the construction of the new Ifield medical centre.  The £1.5m design and build project will take 40 weeks stating in October.

A new job for Farnrise in the education sector, is a £360k 22 week construction of a new main entrance for Riddlesdown High School in Purley, Surrey.

August 2009 - Farnrise sign sponsorship agreement with Crystal Palace Football Club

Farnrise Construction is pleased to announce the successful outcome of sponsorship discussions with Crystal Palace Football Club.

As well as seeing the company's logo around the stadium, the Farnrise logo will be on the back of the 1st Team's shirts.

This can be seen for the first time on Thursday 27th August at Selhurst Park for Crystal Palace v Manchester City.

Gary Firmager, Managing Director of Farnrise commented, “...We are very pleased to be associated with Crystal Palace Football Club and look forward to what we hope will be a long working relationship which I am sure will prove mutually beneficial. Farnrise as a Group, see this as an excellent opportunity to further their involvement and support within the Community.”

To go to the Crystal Palace website and see their full press release  Click Here

August 2009 - Another award for Farnrise

Last month Farnrise Construction earned a Mid Sussex DC Sustainability Award for Architecture.

The winning scheme was a Farnrise design and build project, designed by Ecotecture.  This was a new toilet block is set in agricultural land, on the site of the Ardingly Showground. The essence of this design and build project was to make it as environmentally friendly as possible in all respects.

Features included in the design were:

• Sheep’s wool insulating heated area walls
• Evacuated tube solar panels to heat water
• Waterless urinals using fans to draw waste & air into down pipe.
• Roof form designed to passively ventilate.

August 2009 - Healthcare

Farnrises' Caterham office have secured a new project with GPIC Ltd, for 5 weeks of enabling works in preparation for the new Gateway Medical Centre, Gravesend.

August 2009 - Education sector projects

So far this month Farnrise has won four projects in the education sector.

Our General Works team have secured a project with East Sussex County Council, for the alterations to form a children's centre and nursery at Beacon Community College, Crowborough.  This is a 17 week contract period for £270k.

Another project General Works are doing for ESCC is a 13 week project for alterations at Manor Close, Uckfield, to form a children's centre, for £120k.

The Caterham office has secured 2 jobs for West Sussex County Council.  One is a 26 week £310k construction of a children and family centre at Southwater Infant School.  The other is for the construction of a children and family centre, internal DDA works and an extension to accommodate a hydro therapy pool, at Vale School, Worthing.  This is a 27 week £630k project.

July 2009 - A Very successful month for Farnrise!

July has so far been a very busy month for Farnrise as we have have been awarded 12 new projects so far.

July 2009 - General Works Team successes

The in house General Works Team have been especially successful, gaining 5 of the 12 projects, which are as follows:

Arundel C of E School - a £90k 15 week refurbishment and construction of a new Steamplicity kitchen for West Sussex County Council.

Meadow Court School, Cuckfield - Another contract with West Sussex CC, £7k for the placing of a storage container and temporary accommodation for 22 weeks.

St. John's C of E Primary School -  A 5 week project for £130k to refurbish the existing toilet block at the school.  This is for Kent County Council.

The Weald School - Another project for West Sussex CC is the 6 week refurbishment of an existing room to form a hygiene and therapy room, for £80k.

Priory School, Lewes - A 6 week, £80k project for the refurbishment of the toilet blocks.

July 2009 -More Education Sector Projects for Emsworth Office

Our Emsworth office have secured 4 of the new projects, the first 3 are all in the education sector.  The 5 week £130k project for Southampton Solent University is for alterations to Mountbatten Library; Kimpton C of E Primary School is a 6 week £50k lobby extension; and  the £280k 19 week project at Thorney Island Primary School for West Sussex CC includes an extension to the front entrance, and boiler and fire alarm replacement.

The fourth project for Emsworth is the Fishbourne Community Centre.  This £600k 32 week project consists of the alterations and construction of an extension to the existing community centre.

July 2009 - Main Contracts Division Awards for Farnrise!

So far in July the Central office in Caterham has 3 new projects. 

Contracts Manager Norman Lyon is in charge of a new project for GPI, for the opening up and investigative works at an old Woolsworths store in preparation to convert into a doctors surgery, at High Street, Grays in Essex.

Also starting this month is the construction of a new community pavilion for Kingston Parish Council, St. Pancras Green, Lewes.  This is a £360k project for 22 weeks.

Barcombe C of E Primary School is a 30 week project for East Sussex County Council. This is for the construction of a new extension and internal refurbishment to the existing school for £540k

July2009 - Opening Ceremony of Kavanagh Court

Kavanagh Court is a new development in St. Martins Avenue Epsom, comprising 21 apartments for retired persons finished to a very high standard by the Farnrise team led by site manager Kevin Riley on site. The new building  was officially handed over Tuesday 30th June.

Mr Peter Lane, Chairman of Epsom & Ewell Housing Association who cut the ribbon to signify the handover commented,

"Farnrise have provided us with a fine building, with good workmanship, and achieved with a minimum of disturbance to the neighbours and other residents in the road. Our thanks go especially to the Site Manager who coped admirably with a restricted site, and to the Contracts Manager"

June 2009 - Award Winning Company

Farnrise Construction proudly announce their recent success in being finalists in the Southern Local Authority Building Control Excellence Awards, announced in an Awards Ceremony in Brighton recently.

Among strong competition from a wide selection of projects put forward by Local Authorities from Kent through to Hampshire, Farnrise reached the final selection for the recent preparatory school extension at Farlington School, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham and in the public building category, were declared overall winner for the Community Centre Oxted, Surrey project.

The awards were made on the basis of standards of excellence in the design and construction of the schemes and our nominations were strongly supported by Building Control Departments of Tandridge District Council and Sussex Building Control.  Hazle McCormack Young's Tunbridge Wells office were employed as Farnrise architects for this project to deliver the final design  on site.

The awards were received by Colin Dent, Marketing Director, and Lee Preston, Site Manager for the Farlington School project.

June 2009 - Ecclesiastical Sector

Another addition to Farnrise's ever growing Ecclesiastical sector is a new 46 week project at St Mary's House, Brighton, with the Grace & Compassion Benedictines, for the construction of a new single storey chapel and internal alterations and refurbishment of the existing property, costing   £910k.

June 2009 - University Project for Southern Office

Our Southern Office at Emsworth have recently secured a new projects at the University of Portsmouth.

The £770k 15 week project will include an internal refurbishment of the existing laboratory areas including re-organisation of partitions and doors, complete with new laboratory furniture and all new finishes and services. The works also include the total replacement of the glazed curtain walling to the north stair tower.

May 2009 - More Education Sector Projects for Farnrise

This month our Southern Office at Emsworth has already secured 4 new projects with WSCC.

They include Hollycombe Primary School, a 26 week £270k project for the extension of their existing accommodation comprising Kitchen, Office & Classroom Extensions and Internal Alteration Works.

Also starting this month is The March CE Aided Primary School, Westhamptnett for the construction of a £80k ground floor extension to their existing hall, addition of toilets and store and internal Kitchen/Office alteration works.

The other 2 projects which both start on 01/06/09 are Fernhurst Primary School for the construction of a single storey two classroom extension with link corridor and refurbishment of existing toilets.  This is a 30 week project of £360k.

St John The Baptist CE Primary School, Findon, is a 14 week £350k project.  Here we will be constructing a ground floor extension with external fire escape; internal reorganization and improvement and external works comprising car park marking and fencing; as well as a new fenced netball court, paths and retaining work.

April 2009 – New Projects for Farnrise

We are pleased to report that our Central Office continues to secure further excellent projects.  These include:

• A major £2.5m extension and conversion at St Paul’s Church, St Albans, on site May 2009 for 52 weeks.
• A new theatre and 6th Form centre at Brentford School for girls, for the London borough of Hounslow.  £700k starting at the end of the month for 26 weeks.

Our directly employed General Works team continue to pull in further projects including £20k refurbishment for HMP Feltham, and £48k extension and refurbishment for Elim Trust Corporation in Thornton Heath.

Our Southern Office at Emsworth office have also commenced a £210k extension and refurbishment of Birdham Primary School for West Sussex County Council.

March 2009

This month our Central Office has secured a new project with The London Borough of Bexley.  The 36 week, £720k project entails the design and build of Northumberland Heath nursery and childrens centre.

Farnrise's Southern Office in Emsworth have also secured a new £60k project with west Sussex PCT, for the refurbishment works at Flat 30a Bognor War Memorial Hospital, Bognor Regis.

February 2009 - School Project

Our central office, Caterham, Surrey has won another project in the education sector.  The £400k project includes extensions and alterations to St. Swithuns RC Primary School, Ruislip.

January 2009 - Busy start to the new year.

This month in our General Works section we have secured two new projects.  We are undertaking internal refurbishment at Tachbrook Nursery in London for a value of £40k; as well as the formation of 4 new training cells at HM Prison, Feltham, for £30k.

The Southern office has also secured another new project, consisting of alterations and extensions to Bognor Fire Station, West Sussex, for a value of £400k.