BUSINESSES in the construction industry are being invited to pitch for contracts for a new retirement community development in West Somerset.

McCarthy Stone wants to build 35 retirement apartments in Minehead and is due to submit a planning application shortly.

The company is urging local firms and people in trades in all construction-related roles, from groundworks to cleaning and everything in between, to pitch for the work.

It is holding a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event in the Devon Hotel, Exeter, on Tuesday, March 26, from 8am to 12noon, where anybody interested can discuss the project and apply for the work.

McCarthy Stone will also be talking about seven other projects it is undertaking this year in Exeter, Ivybridge, Dartmouth, Truro, Padstow, and Sidmouth, where there will be two developments.

Each development is expected to generate about 100 jobs during the construction phase, and on completion there will be further employment prospects for local workers, including roles in caregiving and maintenance services.

The Minehead scheme, which will see the Co-op supermarket site in The Avenue redeveloped, is part of the largest construction initiative McCarthy Stone has undertaken in the Westcountry for more than six years.

It will provide one and two-bedroom apartments for elderly residents while a smaller convenience store-size Co-op would re-open on the site.

The Co-op would be 3,000 sq ft, which would keep it below the threshold of Sunday trading laws and allow it to open all day.

The retirement flats block will include shared facilities such as a homeowners’ lounge and guest suite, with access from Summerland Avenue.

A 21-space car park will be created for residents and 19 separate shoppers’ parking spaces provided.

McCarthy Stone has partnered with supply chain management specialist Veriforce CHAS for the development phase to identify and recruit local contractors to work on the projects.

CHAS operates assessment programmes to ensure all individuals and firms working on sites are suitably accredited and fully comply with health and safety standards.

Where capable contractors do not yet hold the necessary certifications, CHAS can help them align with industry requirements.

A McCarthy Stone spokesperson said: “McCarthy Stone is proud to be pioneering eight new projects across the South West that will not only enrich lives but also boost local economies.

“As part of our commitment to putting communities first, we are seeking to work with local businesses and extend a warm invitation to construction firms in the region to come and learn more about the opportunities we have on offer.”

A Veriforce CHAS spokesperson said: “We are looking forward to helping McCarthy Stone engage with the local construction community on these exciting developments.

“Come and talk to our experienced team about how you can take advantage of these opportunities and experience the benefits of working with one of the UK’s leading developers.”

McCarthy Stone has 530 developments across England, Scotland, and Wales and plans to buy 60 sites for development each year.

More information and registration details for the event can be found here.