GovWire

A family-owned construction and civil engineering firm has promised positive and lasting community impact after winning a place on a Sellafield framework.

Sir Robert McAlpine has joined Sellafields Programme and Project Partners (PPP) as a key delivery partner.

The company will provide groundworks and concrete structures for construction projects at the nuclear site.

And the business has pledged to create a host of opportunities for West Cumbria over the lifetime of the 1 billion, 17-year framework.

These include opening a regional office, recruiting local workers and suppliers, and investing in apprenticeships and training.

Sellafield, the birthplace of the UK nuclear industry, is now one of the countrys largest infrastructure projects, supporting 60,000 jobs.

The Programme and Project Partners was mobilised in 2019 to transform Sellafield Ltds major project delivery.

Tony Gates, managing director, civil engineering, for Sir Robert McAlpine, said:

Were thrilled and excited to join the Programme and Project Partners team at Sellafield.

Its industry leading approach to delivering complex infrastructure projects in a highly regulated sector aligns with our commitment to engineering excellence and effective collaboration that is embedded in our family values and inclusive culture.

Through this long-term appointment, we intend to make a lasting, positive impact on local communities in West Cumbria by boosting employment, promoting skills and education, working with trusted supply chain partners in the region, and creating a tangible, measurable social impact.

Luke Richardson, head of social impact for Programme and Project Partners, said:

Its great news to have a leading UK construction and civil engineering company join the team.

Sir Robert McAlpine has made some great commitments as part of this contract.

Theyve committed to support local employment, but theyve gone further in committing to both the Building Future Trades and the Programme and Project Partners Internship Scheme. These are targeted employability schemes which will provide life changing opportunities for people in West Cumbria.

They have pledged to work with local small and medium enterprises; voluntary, community, and social enterprises, and charities. They have also committed to open a regional office, in Copeland, West Cumbria in the next couple of years, further embedding the business in the region.

This is great news for the area, we look forward to working with the team at Sir Robert McAlpine and sharing updates on how these investments have impacted the area but more so, the people in our community.

Hertfordshire-based Sir Robert McAlpine has a strong relationship with Sellafield, where it successfully completed projects from the mid-1980s until 2017.

The Programme and Project Partners Multi Project Procurement model encourages long-term collaboration throughout the supply chain to enhance project delivery, create greater economic and social impact, and deliver value for the UK.