Running for a period of four years from 2023, with an option to be extended for a further two years until 2029, the appointment follows the success of SCAPE Scotland’s existing framework which has commissioned more than 40 projects to date for public sector clients across Scotland. These include the North Bridge refurbishment in Edinburgh and the Stockingfield Bridge project in Glasgow.

The third-generation, direct award framework will empower local authorities and public sector organisations to progress the delivery of sustainably designed major infrastructure projects – including roads, rail, flood and coastal, broadband and electric vehicle infrastructure – with no defined upper limit for project value.

SMEs will sit at the heart of the new framework, with Balfour Beatty expected to engage with an extensive supply chain of local businesses. SCAPE has designed the framework to facilitate better access for small companies onto major public sector contracts, while also allowing Scottish public sector organisations to prioritise working with local specialists.

Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE Scotland, said: “The delivery of major infrastructure projects that enrich communities and leave a lasting legacy is a key component of the Government’s regeneration strategy, ‘achieving a sustainable future’.

“Our next generation framework not only maintains our fundamental commitment to rigorous compliance but has been designed to create opportunities and prioritise local spend – securing the supply of work for local SMEs right across the country. We will also collaborate closely Balfour Beatty to support our clients’ net zero ambitions through tailored carbon management.

“The strength of our partnership with Balfour Beatty has accelerated the delivery of much needed civil engineering infrastructure via our direct award framework and I have no doubt that this will continue to be achieved through the Civil Engineering framework over the next four years.”

Balfour Beatty said it will continue to work with local authorities, government agencies and other public sector bodies to deliver projects across multiple sectors including local highways, public realm, defence and marine, with the first schemes expected to be awarded from early 2023.

Utilising early contractor engagement, the firm will ensure that the best value design solutions are in place, driving efficiencies and helping to transform local communities and support both regional and national economic growth.

Balfour Beatty was first appointed to the original SCAPE National Civil Engineering and Infrastructure framework in 2015 and since then has delivered or is delivering over 285 projects for 96 public sector customers, worth a combined value of over £3 billion across the UK.

Hector MacAulay, managing director of Balfour Beatty’s UK Construction Services business in Scotland, said: “This latest appointment is testament to our longstanding relationship with SCAPE and our ability to drive efficiencies and productivity throughout Scotland.

“We look forward to continuing to deliver sustainable and innovative projects to local communities over the coming years, leaving a lasting and positive legacy.”

Balfour Beatty has also been appointed as the sole contractor to the SCAPE Civil Engineering framework, covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland, worth up to £3.25 billion.

Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty group chief executive, said: “Our unique end-to-end Group capabilities position us perfectly to deliver the wide variety of public sector projects that are expected to come to market in the coming years.

“With a long-standing history of successful delivery through the SCAPE Group frameworks, we now look forward to continuing on this positive trajectory; working with our customers to drive forward innovative, sustainable projects across the length and breadth of the UK.”