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WSP graduate planner discusses working on Aston Villa project

WSP graduate planner discusses working on Aston Villa project

 January 17, 2023

WSP offers exciting opportunities for graduates to work on major projects that positively impact both people and the planet.

Meet Jamie Alba-Duignan, a Graduate Planner at WSP. Jamie was part of the team working on Aston Villa FC's proposed redevelopment of Villa Park, one of the oldest and most famous venues in world football

A sustainable project that benefits the community

WSP provided multidisciplinary support to Aston Villa Football Club as part of its successful planning application to redevelop Villa Park.

As one of the most successful clubs in English football, Aston Villa’s heritage is an intrinsic contributor to the regional community. Villa Park's regeneration provides fans and visitors with an enhanced experience of the historic stadium, whilst also creating local jobs and economic value within the West Midlands.

Sustainability and community are the focus of the redevelopment. The project deployed solar panels, sustainable drainage systems, rainwater harvesting and green roofs, and improved transport management to encourage sustainable travel. Villa Park will also contribute nearly £120m to the regional economy each year, creating hundreds of jobs during and post-construction, and attracting 1.65m visitors to the local area annually.

Playing a role in a high profile project

Jamie describes her role in the WSP project and her experience.

"Aston Villa FC's proposed redevelopment of Villa Park was one of the first projects I was brought onto when I joined WSP, and it seemed quite intimidating to start with such a high profile scheme! On my first day, my line manager asked whether I had a specialism in mind and I mentioned I like regeneration, which is why she thought I would enjoy this project," explains Jamie.

"Regeneration is really at the heart of this project; it's all about people, community and history. My involvement included monitoring statutory consultation responses and reviewing draft condition documents for approval," comments Jamie.

"It's fantastic to see the planning application has been approved and that I played a role in that!"

Creating a smarter, greener future 

Recruiting talented graduates like Jamie not only supports WSP's business success, but ensures that the company is contributing to the development of professionals in the industry for future generations.

WSP is a global family of changemakers, all with the imagination to see things not as they are, but as they could be.

WSP changemakers are at the heart of the company's transformative thinking and are setting a new agenda for a smarter, greener future that includes everyone.


Work on major projects as a WSP gradate

WSP employees enjoy pushing boundaries, harnessing ideas, and sharing insights across the company's diverse international team to create a world that's cleaner, greener, and safer.

WSP changemakers address climate change as they influence policy, engage communities and think net-zero first. They shape the communities of tomorrow and help society thrive.

Join WSP and be part of an extraordinary team.

 

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