Government unveil details of £420m construction sector deal
The construction sector deal identifies a vision to build new homes faster and a commitment to using digital technologies
- Digital techniques deployed at all phases of design will deliver better, more certain results during the construction and operation of buildings. Clients, design teams, construction teams and the supply chain working in unison will improve safety, quality and productivity during construction, optimise performance during the life of the building and better our ability to upgrade and ultimately dismantle and recycle buildings.
- Offsite manufacturing techniques are encouraged to reduce wastage, inefficiencies and delays that affect onsite construction.
- Whole life asset performance will shift focus from the costs of construction to the buildings life cycle costing, particularly its use of energy. The government is promising that it will “ensure that our modern Industrial Strategy and our significant investments in housing and infrastructure support this change and innovation”.
The deal, which will establish a new partnership between the government and the construction sector, will be formally announced by business and energy Secretary Greg Clark, in a speech to the Northern Powerhouse Summit in Newcastle this afternoon.
Andrew Wolstenholme, Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council said: “We are an industry that must be at the forefront of the UK’s drive for future growth and prosperity – and I’m confident that this deal will help to achieve that.”
Build UK chief executive Suzannah Nichol said: “Today’s announcement sets out a bright vision for the future of UK construction along with a plan that the industry can, and should, all get behind.”
The Civil Engineering Contractors Association warned that “words must be met with action”.
