Stockport contractor backs City of Trees charity

Wates, the main contractor for the Stockport Redrock leisure development, has marked their annual week of community action with environmental charity City of Trees and school activities in Stockport.  

Wates is one of the largest privately owned construction, development and property services companies in the UK.

As part of Wates’ commitment to transforming the communities in which it works, the family-owned company teamed up with leading environmental charity City of Trees to deliver nature based activities in a Stockport Primary school.

The 4,000 strong business is the main contractor for the Redrock development in Stockport town centre, which forms part of Stockport Council’s Investing in Stockport programme, which is investing over £1 billion into Stockport over a five-year period.

Estimates predict that this influx of investment will generate at least 5,000 employment opportunities for the town, and so far has brought a cash injection of over £4.5m to Stockport businesses.

Wates is a partner in the City of Trees movement, which aims to plant 3 million trees – one for every man, woman and child in the City region.

Working alongside the charity, Wates engaged with St Joseph’s RC Primary in Stockport, helping children to learn about the important of urban trees and having a high quality urban environment.

The school sessions formed part of Wates’ annual ‘Reshaping Tomorrow’ week,  a national programme through which the business’ 4,000 employees donate their time to help local good causes.

St Joseph’s RC Primary School is situated just a few streets away from the Redrock development, and due to its urban location, has no green space or trees.

Kevin Wigley, City of Trees, comments:

“With around 80% of us in the UK living in urban areas it’s essential we help people re-connect with nature. By giving the children unique hands-on learning experiences we can demonstrate to them the value of our trees, woods and wildlife.”

At the sessions pupils aged 6 – 8 years made bird feeders, toad abodes, tree boggarts as well as took part in an interactive storytelling session around trees and the environment.

Tony Shenton, Business Unit Director of Wates Construction North West, said:

“As a family business, Wates is committed to leaving a positive legacy for the communities in which it works and our Reshaping Tomorrow week initiative is a valuable way for our teams to give back to their neighbours.

“As we near completion of Redrock Stockport, it’s a fantastic time to take stock of what we have achieved within the community. The team has engaged with local schools and created opportunities for local training, and our work with City of Trees is a continuation of their exceptional commitment to making a difference locally.”

Pictured: Pupils from Year 4, St Joseph’s RC Primary School; Harrison, aged 8 and Roxanne and Lily-May aged 8 and 9.