York-based Shepherd Construction has been awarded two National Considerate Constructors Awards, for its work at Xscape in Castleford and Lakeside Village in Doncaster.

The silver awards were presented to Shepherd's site teams at Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate.

The £31.2 million Xscape project at Castleford was a massive contract, which incorporated a number of different features under one roof.

Shepherd built it in 18 months, and it is now home to an indoor ski slope with real snow, multi-screen cinema, bowling alley, climbing walls, retail units, bars, cafes, restaurants and a nightclub. Neighbours of the project include the Glasshoughton Freeport retail development, and the M62, which runs alongside.

Construction manager Paul Waller said: "The protection of the public was a major consideration on this contract and we achieved this award through constant liaison with Freeport to ensure minimum disruption throughout the works.

"One of the biggest challenges was the large creation of dust - this was minimised through constant dampening down operations and surfacing the whole car park area within six weeks of commencing the job."

Also recognised was Shepherd's £4.5 million contract to redevelop the former Yorkshire Outlet centre in Doncaster into Lakeside Village.

The contract involved building 20 new retail units, the soft strip-out and redecoration of 75 per cent of the existing units, and the demolition of a further ten to create free car and coach parking space. The management suite was revamped, landscaping undertaken, and a tented structure erected to house a children's play area.

Shepherd's configuration of its site set-up at Lakeside Village allowed shoppers a safe passageway to the existing retail units through a pedestrian management crossing system. The existing units remained open throughout the construction programme and deliveries of materials were scheduled outside shop opening hours.

The Considerate Constructors Scheme is a voluntary code of practice. The code commits registered sites to be considerate and good neighbours, as well as clean, respectful, safe, environmentally conscious, responsible and accountable.

Updated: 11:04 Tuesday, April 13, 2004