CONTRACTOR Speller Metcalfe showed it was the best in the west when it won a major industry award for a community centre in Bristol.

The firm based on Enigma Business Park, Malvern took the best public service building category at the Local Authority Building Control awards for the best construction projects in the West of England, held at Bristol Marriott Hotel. It was for the company's work on a local community centre in Cadbury Heath.

Speller had been contracted by South Gloucestershire Council in March 2014 to build a new modern complex with improved community resources. It worked alongside BBA Architects of Bath to complete the 21 month programme, which incorporated the construction of a new community centre with state-of-the-art facilities including a café, bar, kitchen, sports hall and community resource rooms.

Andy Metcalfe, joint managing director at Speller Metcalfe, said: "“As well as improving community cohesion with a new vibrant centre, we have worked in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council to deliver work experience and site visit opportunities to local students. We are proud to have received this award as it represents outstanding construction and workmanship.”

Richard Ward, principal project manager at South Gloucestershire Council, added: "Well done to all involved, this has been an interesting project from the start with challenging budget and timescale, so credit to Speller Metcalfe and BBA Architects who have managed to convert our in house architect’s concept into a reality. ”

Speller Metcalfe was shortlisted for nine categories in total, including affordable housing scheme Bramble Close in Tibberton, near Worcester.