Contractor: Miller Construction (acquired by Galliford Try Group)
Project Value: £1,000,000
Architect: Grimshaw Architects
Stone Type: Limestone
PMJ Masonry were proud to be associated with the £49 million Pontio Arts Centre in Bangor, Wales. Miller Construction was appointed the main contractor for this project after a hotly contested bidding process between a vast number of principal construction contractors. Miller Construction then assigned PMJ Masonry to undertake the substantial amount of natural stonework within this project. In July 2014, Miller Construction was acquired by The Galliford Try Group who then worked with PMJ Masonry to complete this impressive new building.
The Pontio Building was designed to replace the ageing Students Union building and the university-owned Theatr Gwynedd. The new arts centre will be home to a theatre, studios, cinema, students union, spacious lecture theatres, social learning spaces, bar, café and a design and innovation centre. Supporting a wide range of activities all year round, the Pontio Building will host performances, workshops, exhibitions and courses.
As well as providing state-of-the-art amenities for the University, this project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a wider urban strategy; one of the centre’s key aims is to strengthen the relationship between the city and the university by unifying the two main campus areas of upper and lower Bangor. This project will generate hundreds of jobs in North Wales and will further benefit the region by developing new businesses as well as creating opportunities for existing companies.
PMJ Masonry were tasked with the external cladding of the new building in natural Ashlar Limestone. Some sections of the external cladding had a striated appearance to add a unique edge to what is now a stunning building in the heart of the city centre.