New construction chief named
Former Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) president, Peter Hansford, will help implement the national infrastructure plan and assist the UK’s transition to a low carbon economy.
Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude said: "This is an incredibly important role; over the next four years there are over 600 government-funded construction projects and programmes which will see around £40bn of investment. I'm pleased to welcome Peter to the post. His experience makes him an ideal candidate to lead on this agenda".
Hansford will report to the Department for Business, Skills and Innovation and Cabinet Office Ministers and chair the Government Construction Board, delivering the Government's Construction Strategy and the 15-20% reduction in the cost of construction procurement to the public sector during the lifetime of this Parliament.
ICE director general, Nick Baveystock said: "From his role within the IUK Cost Study as a conduit between government and industry, Peter clearly recognises the huge benefits that can be achieved by industry having a single point of entry into government and the importance of providing focus and leadership".
In two successful terms in post, Morell oversaw the publication of the Low Carbon Construction Innovation and Growth Team Report, the introduction of cost benchmarking and the establishment of procurement models for industry.
