Ringway Infrastructure Services, a French-owned contractor, will manage highways and streetlights for Milton Keynes Council from April 2014. The new contract will last for an initial period of seven years with a possibility to extend it for further 3 three years.
The contract is estimated to be worth between £10m and £20m a year, with the potential to be worth up to £200m in total.
According to the deal, the contractor will be mainly involved with the construction schemes up to the value of £1m. Schemes above £1m could also be procured through the deal.
In view of the 10-year contract, the council’s current working arrangements, between 50 service providers, will be streamlined into using one contractor.
The council states that this change will not only result in a better quality of the services provided, but will also offer value for money, greater efficiency and accountability.
Cabinet Member responsible for Highways, Councillor Peter Geary, said: “I am delighted that the contract has now been awarded and we can continue with the task of providing better and more efficient services across Milton Keynes’ roads, redways and footpaths.
“Changing from several providers to one will greatly increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of our highways projects.
Jerry Pert, Ringway Regional Director, commented on the deal: “This is a tremendous success for Ringway. A key issue for the council was to identify a partner with whom they could have the upmost confidence in managing a smooth transfer of services.
“Ringway has a long history of transferring public sector services to provide efficiencies and was able to demonstrate this to the council through the tender submission.
“We are now looking forward to working collaboratively with the council to deliver a first class maintenance service whilst we also support them as they embark on an ambitious investment programme.
“This investment in the transport system is needed to support the significant growth that is planned for Milton Keynes in order it remains a favourable location for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
