Natural Resources Wales agrees new contractor and consultant framework for capital works programmes

A range of contractors and consultants have been appointed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and tasked with delivering a range of capital projects from flood risk management to major infrastructure works in Wales’ forests over the next four years.

Four contractors and two consultants have been appointed to NRW’s £65million Next Generation Framework following a procurement process.

William Hughes (Civil Engineering) Ltd and Jones Bros Ruthin (Civil Engineering) Ltd will work across North Wales, and Walters UK Ltd and Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd will work across South Wales.

Two consultants, Arup and Binnies UK (formerly Black & Veatch), have been appointed to work Wales-wide.

The framework will deliver NRW’s flood risk management programme, Reservoirs Act compliance programme, flow gauging network upgrades, fish passage improvements and major infrastructure works on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate.

NRW has created the framework to help it achieve its objectives for the people and communities of Wales and the Welsh environment. This includes reducing flood risk, managing Wales’ natural resources, including land and water, sustainably championing the Welsh environment and improving the resilience and quality of our ecosystems.

NRW and its framework partners will seek to use natural resources in a way and at a rate that maintains and enhances the resilience of ecosystems and the benefits they provide.

Gavin Jones, NRW’s Design Consultancy Framework Manager said:

“We’re excited to enter into a new chapter of delivering challenging but rewarding projects across Wales with our new Next Generation Framework partners.

“Wales’ Green Recovery Plan for Covid-19 will be at the heart of the framework as we deliver important work for Wales’ communities and environments.

“The Framework is designed to meet the needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs and to contribute to the achievement of the well-being goals in the Well-being of Future Generations Act.

“The four year programme will focus on projects that will help to reduce flood risk to homes from rivers and the sea, adapting our assets to help mitigate the impacts of climate change, improving Welsh river habitats, keeping our reservoirs safe, supporting the Welsh timber sector, and improving access to and the use of our land.”

The framework has been produced in accordance with the principles of The Institute of Civil Engineers’ Project 13, whereby NRW seeks to deliver better outcomes focussed on value through a collaborative approach with a small, aligned supply chain that is suited to its civil engineering needs.

NRW will involve its partners in planning programmes to ensure a steady workload and consistency of staff, who can perform efficiently and learn lessons. All contracts will be NEC Target Price (Option C) to fairly share risks between NRW and partners.

Work will be directly awarded under the framework on an alternating basis between partners, removing the timely and costly tender process.

Construction management and ground investigation services are currently being procured to the Next Generation Framework for appointment this spring.