Building sites set to open their doors to the public

Contractors are set to open up building sites to the public in a bid to emulate the success of architecture’s popular Open House weekend.

Construction’s “Open Door” weekend is the brainchild of the UK Contractors Group and is scheduled to take place on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 November (amended June 13th – CM).

UKCG director Stephen Ratcliffe said the aim of the event was to foster a better understanding among the public of what the construction industry does and highlight the diverse range of careers available in the industry.

Open Door will also involve the CIOB, ConstructionSkills and the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

Ratcliffe told Construction Manager that details for the event had not been finalised, but that the site visits would include a number of interactive events.

Visitors will be greeted at the sites by “construction ambassadors” from the different disciplines within the industry, from craft workers to engineers and surveyors, who will act as guides and explain their role in the building process.

Ratcliffe said: “We’re looking to showcase the range of skills and jobs available in the industry to show schoolchildren, students and parents just how innovative the construction industry is and how much it has changed in recent years. UKCG is taking the lead in the event, but we are in partnership with the CIOB, ConstructionSkills and the Considerate Constructors Scheme.”

The four bodies were scheduled to meet earlier this month to discuss the event. Consultations with contractors and clients would take place “over the coming months”, said Ratcliffe.

He added: “We have to consider the safety aspects of inviting the public onto sites. The event may have to be by invitation only rather than completely free access. But it will happen.”

The annual Open House event gives people the opportunity to view, free of charge, an array of buildings of architectural interest which are not normally open to the public.