Special Visitors Visit Bohouse Development
A local group of girl guides visited Middlesbrough’s Boho zone earlier this week to see one of its latest developments and learn about the construction industry.
Developed by community regeneration specialist Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) North East for Erimus Housing, Bohouse is one of the first schemes of its kind in the country, providing vital live/work units for graduates from the creative and digital industries.
The Wearside-based firm is currently on site developing twenty self contained units including a mix of one and two bedroom apartments with double bedrooms, living area with kitchen, bathroom and workspace.
Always keen to get involved in the communities they are working in, FHM and Erimus Housing, part of Fabrick Housing Group, teamed up to invite a group of Guides on site to understand how the development is being constructed. Part of the guide’s yearly programme is to pass the ‘Be Constructive’ award which is a Guide Associations requirement for gaining life skills and experiences to improve their lives and careers.
Over the last few weeks, the Avenue Methodist Guides have carried out a number of tasks to understand the construction industry. Tasks included studying major landmarks, building a bridge, designing a room, looking at eco and sustainability issues, health and safety and the different types of jobs that are required on site. The final part of their award was to visit the site.
The youngsters aged ten to sixteen were given a presentation about construction, health & safety on site and the importance of site security.
George Donkin, FHM’s Site Manager for the Bohouse development said: “I was delighted to give the children a tour of the scheme and to talk about how it will be constructed and the importance of health & safety on site.
“They were very interested in learning about this exciting new development and asked plenty of questions about how it has been constructed and how it will benefit the local community. I wish them all the success in gaining their ‘Go For It’ award and maybe one day – they may decide to pursue a career in construction.”
Chris Smith, Managing Director of Erimus Housing, said: “We are really proud of our development which is going to be something unique to Middlesbrough.
“We are glad that young people are interested in the scheme as it is aimed at young people leaving university.”
Girl guide Carys La Bonté Jones, 14, from Middlesbrough said: “I found the site visit very useful and informative. Now that I have more information about practical work on building sites and the different career paths I could choose - it has influenced me to consider possible career options for the future.”