New work surges as materials shortages easeConstruction output bounced back again above the pre-pandemic high-water mark after a strong surge in new work during November.
A 5.7% hike in new work lifted construction output by 3.5%, despite a small decline in repair and maintenance workloads.
The surge lifted overall activity above the February pre-pandemic high for the second time. The initial rebound recovery started to be dragged down by a slowing of workloads 12-months ago due to bad weather and then material shortages.
Total work is now running 1.3% above the February 2020 high.
Bill for £22bn HS2 extension to manchester goes to parliamentThe Bill extending HS2 to Manchester has been handed to Parliament in a landmark move that paves the way for construction supporting 17,500 jobs.
The government has also produced a more detailed costing for the 52-mile route from Crewe to Manchester putting the spending envelope at £15bn-£22bn.
The Bill allows for new high-speed stations and junctions to be built at Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport future-proofing services along the western leg.
Thousands more construction jobs are expected to be created as plans for new homes and commercial development around the new Piccadilly and Airport Stations spring to life.
50 firms win £750m decarbonisation frameworkProcurement body Fusion21 has awarded spots to 50 main contractors and specialists on its new national Decarbonisation Framework.
Specifically designed to meet the needs of housing associations, local authorities, schools, NHS trusts, and blue light organisations.
The framework will support the design and delivery of energy efficiency measures, combining contracts that can deliver thermal fabric improvements, heating, and renewables, power as well as building management systems.
Structural steel price jumps another £50 a tonneConstructional steelwork contractors have been hit with another major price hike from British steel to start the year.
In letters to contactors, British Steel blamed sustained high steel-making costs for the £50 a tonne increase on steel sections for all new orders with immediate effect.
The latest rise follows a volatile 2021 that saw seven price hikes lifting the price of steel by around £340 a tonne.
Sources:
New work surges as materials shortages ease | Construction Enquirer News
Bill for £22bn HS2 extension to Manchester goes to Parliament | Construction Enquirer News
50 firms win £750m decarbonisation framework | Construction Enquirer News
Structural steel price jumps another £50 a tonne | Construction Enquirer News
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