Highland Council names first £2.1bn contract winners | Construction Enquirer News
Summary
Highland Council has announced the winners of its £2.1 billion investment programme, selecting four contractors for key infrastructure projects across the region.
Why It Matters
This announcement marks a significant step in Highland Council's long-term infrastructure investment strategy, aimed at enhancing local services and community facilities. The programme is expected to create jobs and improve public resources, reflecting a commitment to sustainable development in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Four contractors selected for £2.1 billion investment programme.
- Projects will focus on creating community hubs and improving local infrastructure.
- The programme will be financed through capital investment and a dedicated Council Tax allocation.
- Contractors will engage in design and pre-planning stages, enhancing project outcomes.
- The initiative aims to foster community engagement and integrated public services.
Morgan Sindall, Morrison Construction, Robertson Group and Ogilvie will work on seven key multi-million-pound projects across the region from Thurso to Inverness. The HIP is a £2.1 billion, 20-year capital investment programme led by the Council to deliver improvements to local infrastructure and services and will be financed through a combination of capital investment and a dedicated annual allocation of 2% ring-fenced Council Tax revenue. This includes £750 million of investment over the next five years. A key element of the HIP is the creation of community hubs, known as Points of Delivery (PoDs), supporting a move towards a single public estate incorporating schools, offices, depots and partners, creating more integrated community-based facilities. The first projects to have preferred main contractors appointed are: Beauly Primary PoD – Morgan Sindall Charleston Academy PoD – Morgan Sindall Dingwall Primary PoD including St Clements School – Robertson Group Fortrose Academy PoD – Morrison Construction Inverness High School PoD – Ogilive Construction Thurso PoD – Morrison Construction. Tornagrain Primary PoD – Robertson Group The appointments will allow contractors to be involved in the consultation, design and pre-planning stages of the HIP projects. Convener of the Council, Cllr Bill Lobban, said: “The HIP is a ground-breaking and innovative long-term infrastructure investment programme, which will create transformative change over the next decade, With these contract...
