Amey has been announced as the preferred bidder for Staffordshire County Council’s new Infrastructure+ contract.
The pioneering deal is the first of its kind in the market, and will see Amey manage and maintain the county’s highways infrastructure, but also allows the council to add a much wider range of local services into the collaborative partnership. Other local authorities in the region may also be given the option of joining.
Staffordshire County Council will now work together with Amey over the coming months to agree the final scope of the partnership. Through the partnership, Amey will invest in the community by creating jobs, working with local suppliers and providing training opportunities; while new technology will be introduced to ensure activities are prioritised to meet local needs – all with the aim of providing effective services for Staffordshire’s residents.
This industry pathfinder partnership will initially run for 10 years with the option of extending for a further 10, and will be worth up to £80 million per annum. The final value however is dependent on the final scope of the partnership.
Mel Ewell, chief executive for Amey, said: “This is a unique opportunity to work with a progressive council to develop a relationship that will enhance services for the people of Staffordshire. We will place a strong focus on supporting and investing in the local community for many years to come, to promote prosperity and skills across the county.”
Mark Winnington, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, added: “Keeping our roads well maintained and investing in highways improvements underpins our ambitions to deliver jobs, growth and a truly connected county.
“This is a huge opportunity to deliver a better deal for the council, the county and the people of Staffordshire and achieve even better value for money at the same time.
Amey has been delivering highways maintenance for Staffordshire County Council since 1998. There will now be a period of discussion to finalise contractual arrangements and the scope of the contract before it is formally awarded later this year.
