Thanet District Council and SER Contractor Ltd supporting social value in Ramsgate

Thanet District Council appointed SER Contractor Ltd to refurbish the Newington Community Centre in Ramsgate. For a project with the community at its heart, it was important to find a contractor that could give back to the community.

Earlier this year, work began to refurbish the Newington Community Centre. Located in Ramsgate, Newington is among the 10% most deprived areas in England. The project is funded through the government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Public procurement directs hundreds of billions in taxpayer money each year. Every public pound spent is an opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing and sustainability of our society and unlock social value.

Changes in the Procurement Act 2023 (as of 24 February 2025) have strengthened social value in public procurement decisions across the entire contract lifecycle. Selecting the right contractor and working closely with them will help to realise the full potential to benefit society and the environment.

SER Contactor Ltd is supporting the local primary school to educate the children about construction safety. Winners of a safety poster competition will see their artwork on the site hoarding. SER is working to give the youth club some of their wish list such as bicycle trips and an all-you-can-eat Chinese food evening, and they are supporting employment in the local area through free online construction career courses and job skills advice for Thanet residents.

For more information about Thanet District Council’s regeneration projects in Ramsgate visit www.thanet.gov.uk/services/levellingupfund