Early engagement imperative for success of South West infrastructure projects

Civil engineering contractors in the South West are calling for early industry engagement in the infrastructure projects unveiled by government to enable local companies to invest in appropriate skills and innovation.

Alan Taylor, Executive Director of Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) for the South West, welcomed the recent announcements, but highlighted the role of industry in bringing the plans to fruition and ensuring cost-effective project delivery.

Mr Taylor commented: “Our members have been pushing for greater certainty around infrastructure investment for many years and we now look forward to advising government on the practicalities that will ensure value-for-money in delivery. However, this can only happen if all parties agree to stick to these spending commitments. Indeed the new industrial strategy, Construction 2025, announced today will go some way to ensuring that the government works closer with the construction industry and sector stakeholders over the coming years.”

Among the projects earmarked for long-term capital investment in the South West are:

·         The electrification of the Great Western Mainline
·         Capacity upgrade to Bristol Temple Meads station
·         New Heathrow link from the Great Western Mainline
·         Rebuilding 17 schools in poor condition as part of the Priority School Building Programme

In addition, it is worth noting that Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station will pre-qualify for a UK Guarantee.

Mr Taylor added: “We have been calling for some time for extra investment in roads and rail and greater certainty in the government’s energy policy and, without doubt, the projects earmarked will deliver true regional benefit. However, this should been seen only as first steps, because as our recent our report - ‘Infrastructure: The Routemap for Regional Growth, South West England’ - pointed out, there are many equally valuable projects that need to be tackled. Our hope is that the regional LEPs will combine their resources to bid for the pot of money being allocated by government for local projects, including those in the South West.”