New contractor appointed to Carnival Place development

Wokingham Borough Council has appointed a new contractor to see the Carnival Place resident development through to completion.

Feltham Construction, a Newbury-based firm with more than 50 years of experience, has been chosen to work with the council on the project, which will see 55 apartments built in Wokingham.

The development sits opposite the Carnival Hub in Wellington Road, which opened in the summer of 2022 and is home to Wokingham Leisure Centre and Wokingham Library.

The appointment of Feltham Construction became necessary after the previous contractor went into administration, but the council has worked quickly to keep the project moving and carry on the recent momentum at Carnival Place.

Sarah Morgan, assistant director for commercial property at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “We welcome on board our new contractor, as we look to move ahead with Carnival Place. Feltham Construction has lots of experience in delivering high-quality projects, along with a strong track record for working with local authorities, and we are delighted to be working with them.

“It is always disappointing when a contractor goes into administration, but there is an inherent risk with building contracts of this type. The council undertakes thorough checks and ensures due diligence is done when appointing all contractors.”

The project features a mixture of one and two-bedroom apartments, with a view to delivering high-quality and energy-efficient accommodation in the town centre. The apartments are due to be completed by the middle of 2025.

High-quality, desirable apartments

David Yates, director at Feltham Construction, said: “We are delighted to be working with Wokingham Borough Council on the Carnival Place residential scheme to complete the last piece of the development and bring 55 high-standard, desirable apartments to completion.

“The contemporary building design continues the architectural theme of Elms Field, incorporates a full height atrium and benefits from renewable energy sources, sustainable drainage and extensive soft landscaping that will provide sustainable, energy efficient homes at the heart of the town centre regeneration. As a Wokingham resident for many years, it will be a pleasure to help finally complete this worthy project.”

Following on from the successes of Peach Place, Elms Field and Carnival Hub, the Carnival Place residential scheme forms the last phase of the council’s wider regeneration programme that has helped to transform the town centre.