SOUTHAMPTON-based Brazier Construction, part of the Kier group, has been awarded a £12.5m contract by Hampshire County Council for the design and construction of a Sure Start Centre at Havant.

The Sure Start programme emerged from one of the reviews set up as part of the government's comprehensive spending review. It aims to improve the health and well-being of families and children before and from birth, so children are ready to flourish when they go to school.

Brazier's contract to design and build a new single-storey building, an extension to the existing Warren Park Primary School, will provide a one-stop shop for a wide range of services for parents and their young children. The building will hold a creche, toy library, an area for children with special needs, a community caf and training rooms for adult education.

The project is due for completion in May next year and the school will remain operational throughout the construction programme.

Brazier contract director Phil Durigan, said: "We are delighted to be part of this new initiative for Hampshire and looking forward to continuing our excellent relationship. This is the fifth project that Brazier Construction has partnered with Hampshire County Council.''