PFM Group at the Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022
We are proud to showcase PFM Group’s Grounds Maintenance work at one of our trophy sites, Arena Central. Arena Central is an exceptional site in the heart of Birmingham’s vibrant city centre, fronting the iconic Centenary square, home to the Library of Birmingham, the REP and Symphony Hall. It offers outstanding office accommodation including Birmingham’s famous Alpha tower, for a range of dynamic and ambitious organizations such as HM Revenue and Customs and the University of Birmingham.
In May last year, Colliers were searching for a dependable supplier to provide Grounds Maintenance at Arena Central ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. With so many of the Games’ activities due to take place on the site’s very doorstep, from the installation of the incredible mechanical bull in Centenary square, to King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla paying a visit to the iconic Birmingham landmark, The Exchange, it was all the more important to ensure that Arena Central was looking better than ever.
The PFM Group is proud that it was chosen as the reliable provider to maintain the grounds of Arena central at such a pivotal time in Birmingham history, readying the site for an unprecedented influx of visitors to Centenary Square’s Commonwealth festivities.
Why choose PFM Group for Grounds Maintenance?
- We structured our maintenance program so that we were able to have a full-time daily presence on site, including weekends. This meant that we could fulfil any emergency work at short notice, as well as carry out our scheduled grounds maintenance duties to higher standards.
- By having a constant presence on site, we were also able to provide our client with a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly service, as there was no need for us to deploy our staff in vans to the site each time any issues arose, therefore, avoiding further expenditures and gas emissions.
- With the same friendly faces on site each day, our team has been able to develop a closer relationship with our client and those on site. This aligns with our PFM value of adding a personal touch to the work we carry out, by building strong relationships with our clients.
- Throughout all of the works we have carried out on the site, we’ve tried to be attentive to our PFM sustainability goals, opting to invest in some battery powered equipment including electric mowers for the site, so that we could start to make the move away from petrol equipment where possible.
Challenges
- Improving the maintenance on the site’s grounds, so that Arena Central is consistently presented to the highest standard for all clients, staff, and visitors.
Looking Ahead
We’re looking to install some beautiful hand-made bird boxes and insect hotels on the site very soon, created by trainees at our long-time partner charity, The Emily Jordan Foundation.
- The Emily Jordan foundation helps adults with learning difficulties and physical disabilities to develop work-based skills with the aim of finding and remaining in employment.
- Not only will these wonderful woodwork creations enhance the charm of Arena central for its tenants, but they also have an important sustainability function.
- The Bird boxes will provide suitable habitats for hole-nesting birds where more natural nesting habitats are becoming scarce. When the boxes are not being used for nesting, egg laying, and as a home for fledglings, they can provide somewhere for birds to roost, as well as be protected from bad weather.
- Similarly, the insect hotels, constructed mainly from recycled materials, are also designed to mimic natural habitats such as nooks and crannies for mini beasts such as ladybirds, bees, spiders, and woodlice to shelter, nest and hibernate.
- In the long term, providing habitats for wildlife and insects will enhance pollination opportunities, providing fruit and flower benefits to the wider community.
With a wealth of horticultural experience, our qualified head gardener is due to undertake a redesign of some of the planting on site, focusing in particular, on injecting more colour into Arena Central’s plant displays, to brighten up the site more for tenants and visitors. Whether it’s beautiful wildflowers or bright berries that are selected for the site, the PFM Group will ensure that they are kept looking perfect via our ongoing maintenance programme.
If you are interested in finding out more about our services, check out our services page or contact us.
