More contractors appointed by CRT

THE Canal & River Trust has appointed seven further contractors to work alongside JN Bentley and Kier to carry out construction and engineering projects over the next decade.

The seven new contracts have a potential worth of about £300 million, bringing the trust’s civil engineering contracts total to around £800 million, and are part of its largest award of waterway engineering contracts. Amco, Breheny, CPC Civils, Forkers, Jacksons, Land & Water and Onsite have been appointed to deliver less complex projects on a regional basis, including those funded by third parties such as towpath and access improvements.

These contractors will play an important role in supporting the trust and working alongside JN Bentley and Kier, who cover the north and south of the network respectively and will carry out the largest restoration and repair projects, including responding to dynamic situations, such as flooding or canal breaches.

JN Bentley and Kier will also undertake non-complex works alongside the seven new contractors.

Malcolm Horne, chief infrastructure and programmes officer at CRT, said: “I am delighted to welcome our new contractors who will be working with us. They will be carrying out a suite of projects that will improve the experience for local communities, boaters and visitors, enabling more people to experience the benefits of spending time by the water.”

The new contracts are awarded for a period of up to 10 years from August 2022, with an initial term of four years, followed by extension options of a further six years.

A rigorous six-stage tender process was carried out over a 20-month period.