Read Construction calls Rochdale suppliers to Meet the Buyer event for pupil referral unit

Read Construction has invited businesses in the Rochdale borough to a Meet the Buyer event on 11 November 2026 as it prepares to procure more than 30 work packages for a new pupil referral unit in the town.

The contractor said it was particularly keen to hear from suppliers and subcontractors based within the borough, and that the session would let local firms meet the project team, present their services and learn about forthcoming procurement packages.

The event runs from 9am to 1pm at Unity House, 15 Belfield Road, Rochdale, OL16 2UP. Firms can book a dedicated slot by emailing general@readconstruction.co.uk or drop in on the day.

The packages

Read Construction's published list starts below ground with ground remediation, general civils and groundworks, and piling foundations and rigid inclusions. The superstructure packages include a structural steel frame, precast concrete floor planks, lift shafts and stairs, and intumescent coatings.

For the envelope, the contractor is seeking rainscreen cladding and pressed metal flashings, brickwork, aluminium windows, curtain walling and external doors, and solar PV installations.

Building services packages cover underfloor heating, mechanical ventilation and ductwork, fire alarms, security systems and access control, lightning protection and a building management system. Internal fit-out trades listed include drylining and suspended ceilings, screeding, commercial flooring, IPS ducting, painting and decorating, balustrades and handrails, doors and blinds.

External works round off the list with resin paving, tarmac, soft landscaping, fencing and external furniture such as seating and shelters.

The background

Read Construction's announcement did not name the client, the site or the value of the scheme, describing it only as a new educational facility for Rochdale.

Rochdale Borough Council has consulted on a new satellite site for Raise Rochdale Pupil Referral Service, proposing a 64-place school building off Mayfield Street in Central Rochdale ward to replace the service's current accommodation. The council's consultation proposed the new site operating from September 2028.

Raise Rochdale Pupil Referral Service is registered with the Department for Education as a pupil referral unit at Saxon Hall, Samson Street, Rochdale, with 136 pupils aged five to 16.

Read Construction, according to its own company milestones, saw turnover pass £40m in 2024.

What happens next

The Meet the Buyer session takes place on Wednesday 11 November, with Read Construction saying it wants to maximise the share of the work going to Rochdale companies. Neither the contractor's announcement nor the council consultation gives a construction start date.