Most contractors now say they are seeing an increase in tendering activity outside of London. This upturn in activity cannot come a moment too soon
Talk of life returning to the UK regions is finally starting to translate into construction contracts. This week we reveal Argent has invited Bam, Carillion and Kier to bid for preparatory works for its £450m Paradise Circus scheme in Birmingham city centre.
The contract itself is only thought to be worth around £30m, but it shows the project is gaining momentum and that private sector developers now have the confidence to plough on with mammoth commercial schemes outside London. Elsewhere, Hammerson has confirmed Sir Robert McAlpine as contractor on its£150m Victoria Gate scheme in Leeds (page 14).
Most contractors now say they are seeing an increase in tendering activity outside of London. John Morgan, chief executive of Morgan Sindall, told Building this week the contractor can now see “signs of life in the construction market, including outside of London”. This upturn in activity cannot come a moment too soon. Hopefully plans for the regeneration of other city centres, such as Sheffield, can be dusted down now that the market is picking up.
Iain Withers, senior reporter
No comments yet