.png)
The WMCF was launched in 2010 to make it easier and cheaper for public sector bodies in the West Midlands to procure construction work throughout the region.
It is a four-year framework administrated by Worcestershire County Council. Participating public sector bodies currently include Hereford & Worcester Fire & Rescue Service, West Mercia Police Authority, Herefordshire Council and Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council.
More than 20 projects have so far been awarded to appointed contractors, Kier Construction Central, Thomas Vale Construction and Speller Metcalfe – representing a £106m investment across the region. Over the four-year term, the framework is expected to procure £180m-worth of construction.
Projects awarded under the WMCF include libraries, police and fire stations, a leisure complex, and primary and secondary schools. In September, the WMCF started work on a £22m education campus in Kidderminster, its largest project to date.
Andrew Peasgood, WMCF framework manager at Worcestershire County Council, said: “By simplifying procurement, eliminating tendering and working collaboratively we’ve been able to make significant cost savings in a number of areas. Once we combine procurement, tendering and capital cost reductions the results show we’ve generated savings of around £6m. That’s fantastic news for the framework and for local people, who get higher quality facilities at greater value for money.
“Our focus for the next year will be encouraging even greater local spend, furthering the use of BIM in our projects, and continuing to make cost savings.”
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
