Trust completes its handful of Hubcos
THE fifth and final company set up by the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) to deliver public infrastructure projects is now up and running.
Formation of the latest joint venture Hubco, comprising a private sector consortium and 14 public sector bodies, is charged with delivering a £600m pipeline of work in the south west of the country over the next decade.
The construction supply chain across Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway and Lanarkshire will be gearing up to compete for work that is expected to come through the South-West Hubco whose private sector partner, Alliance Community Partnerships (ACP), is a consortium involving Kier Project Investment, Galliford Try Investments, Equitix Holdings and John Graham Holdings.
The deal, struck by six local authorities, three health boards, emergency services and other public bodies is expected to create long-term local employment opportunities.
Bill Martin, programme director, explained: “The structure of this relationship means that it will bring real opportunities to local businesses as over 80% of the construction value will be competitively tendered to SMEs on the supply chain.
“We are delighted with the outcome of the agreement which will deliver innovation and better value-for-money on all our construction projects.” The private sector consortium will work with public sector bodies across all stages of project delivery from strategic planning through funding, construction and facilities management via an integrated supply chain. It has a stated commitment to provide opportunities for Scottish businesses.
Nick Parker, chief operating officer of Equitix and a director for ACP, added: “We are very much looking forward to building a successful and long-lasting partnership with all organisations involved in the South-West Hubco, delivering much-needed projects and investment in the local communities. Importantly, the formation of the South-West Hubco will facilitate the creation of new employment and training opportunities for local companies in challenging economic times.”
John Hope, the SFT’s accommodation director, said the industry can expect over £300m of projects, including primary and secondary schools, health and medical centres and community projects to move into the construction or development stage over the forthcoming financial year.
PUBLIC SECTOR PARTNERS
Health: Ayrshire and Arran Health Board, Dumfries and Galloway Health Board, Lanarkshire Health Board, The State Hospitals Board for Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service Board
Councils: North Ayrshire, East Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, South Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, South Lanarkshire
Others: Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, Scottish Court Service, Irvine Bay Regeneration Company
