West Country QS expands

West Country QS Gates Partnership has opened its third office at Queen Anne's Battery, Plymouth. The firm plans to hire three new staff for the office. It currently employs 11 people, including 3 partners.

David Coles, Gates senior partner, said: "Plymouth is rapidly developing and there is a substantial amount of money being invested in the city so there is extensive growth and many opportunities. We already carry out s substantial amount of work in the area, so it made strategic sense to have a permanent presence in Plymouth."

Present projects include Raglan Barracks, known ad Cumberland Block, a £1.7m design and build project comprising the demolition of the existing barracks and construction of 24 dwellings and external works such as drainage.

Gates' recent projects include the £2.4m Clyst Heath nursery and primary school in Exeter, on which the company acted as employer's agent.

Gates' other offices are at Taunton and Barnstable.