£15m boost for Esh Construction’s civil engineering division in Yorkshire

North of England contractor, Esh Construction, has secured £15m of new civil engineering contracts as the firm continues to target growth within the Yorkshire region.

Public realm, highways, infrastructure and enabling works are among the projects secured since the start of the year, representing a 100 per cent uplift in pipeline from the same time in 2022.

The first to get underway is the A61 and A635 active travel schemes which are being delivered on behalf of Barnsley Council. Located across four sites, the projects will provide improved off-road safe cycle routes while creating enhanced links to key routes and residential areas, promoting walking and cycling across the town.

Multiple projects have been secured through the YORcivil2 framework, with Esh recently commencing work on a cycle lane project known as Wellgate and Broom Road on behalf of Rotherham Council. The scheme will include 0.7km of cycleway construction, along with associated works at junctions, signal-controlled crossings, drainage works and resurfacing.

While another contract, in excess of £6m, which will deliver cycleway and bus lane facilities to promote active travel into Rotherham town centre is due to start in June. These projects combined will see Esh deliver highway realignment works on more than 12km of roads across the South Yorkshire region, including the installation of four roundabouts and six signalised crossings.

Steven Garrigan took the helm as Divisional Director for Esh’s civil engineering division in 2022. He said: “The strong start to 2023 in the Yorkshire and Humber region follows several director and senior-level promotions which were made in the division to drive forward organic growth plans.

“As a result, we have seen the pipeline double from the same time last year which has enabled us to double the delivery team in the region. These recent awards represent a number of repeat contracts with established clients which builds on the success of previously delivered schemes and is testament to the hard work of our delivery team and sub-contractors.”

Other work includes early contractor involvement (ECI) work for a design and build contract on Rotherham’s Riverside Residential Quarter. Site investigations have commenced as part of the design phase which includes Esh working closely with the Environment Agency due to the site being located next to the river Don.

Two repair projects for East Riding of Yorkshire Council on Bubwith Bridge and Stamford Bridge will commence in the summer months. Both bridges are listed structures and span the River Derwent which is designated as a nationally important Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Garrigan added: “Throughout each contract we will deliver a bespoke package of social value initiatives which are designed to maximise the social and economic benefits for the local community.

“This will include employing a local workforce, procuring a local supply chain, delivering employability and engagement sessions within schools and colleges, as well as offering work experience and T-Level opportunities for those keen to gain an insight into the industry.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily