Amey, the infrastructure and business services specialist, has been appointed Preferred Bidder for Cumbria County Council’s Strategic Partnership for Highways Activities. The value of the contract, currently under negotiation, is projected at a potential £300 million over a period of ten years and is expected to reach financial closure in the autumn of 2004.
The contract, includes the transfer of 400 employees from Cumbria County Council’s Contract Services Construction Unit to Amey and represents a major aspect of the Council’s ‘Investment to Save and Improve Programme’ (ISI).
Under the terms of the contract, Amey will assume responsibility for the maintenance of approximately 7,700kilometres of highway, 1,700 bridges and 44,000 street lights. In addition, Amey will also become responsible for the management of other services currently delivered by Cumbria Contract Services Construction Unit including the maintenance and management of 1,000 vehicles and items of plant and equipment, ground maintenance, sign manufacturing, engineering laboratory and environmental design and management.
Mel Ewell, Chief Executive of Amey, said: “We are delighted that Cumbria County Council has appointed us as Preferred Bidder for this project. This is an exceedingly exciting opportunity for Amey and we look forward to integrating the skills and experience of Cumbria’s Construction Unit with our expertise in a partnership designed to deliver evident and sustainable benefits to the people of Cumbria.”
Rex Toft, leader of Cumbria County Council, commented: “We are working towards a final contract that will ensure more work is done for less money, secure investment in the business and protect the interests of those who currently work for the Construction Unit.