Balfour Beatty has bounced back after taking a hit from Carillion last week to announce that it has been selected by Wokingham Borough Council to deliver its £124m Major Highways Programme.
It is little surprise Balfour won the work contract as it was awarded under the £1.5bn Scape Group’s National Civil Engineering and Infrastructure framework, where Balfour Beatty is the sole contractor. The framework allows public sector clients to commission works through a procurement process that allows for early contractor engagement to deliver the best value solutions for clients.
The Wokingham deal covers a four-year package of works that will include the planning, design and construction of nine road schemes in Wokingham, as well as four strategic development roads providing access to 12,000 new housing units in the region.
Balfour Beatty has worked in collaboration with Wokingham Borough Council under the Scape National Civil Engineering and Infrastructure framework since October 2015.
According to a statement from the international infrastructure group, it was involved in ‘early engagement’ on the programme, which enabled it to support the ‘development of the scheme, mitigate risks and ultimately provide the council with the most cost-effective solution’.
Dean Banks, chief executive officer, UK Construction Services, said: ‘We have a wealth of experience in delivering significant highways schemes across the UK and this contract award is yet another testament not only to our in-house engineering capabilities, but to our clients’ confidence in our ability to deliver.’
Cllr David Lee, Wokingham BC executive member for strategic highways and planning, said: ‘We are committed to providing the roads and other infrastructure necessary to accompany the homes coming to Wokingham borough and this contract is a massive milestone toward that.’
Works are due to commence this month. At construction peak the programme will employ over 150 individuals, including multiple apprenticeship and graduate opportunities.
