Scottish councils launch demolition contract

Scotland’s first national framework to offer demolition services to all local authorities has been announced.

The new framework, set up by central procurement body Scotland Excel, will run until the end of July 2018 with an option to extend for a further two years. It is expected to be worth around £16 m (US$19.7 m).

Scotland Excel said the contract will help councils deliver planned demolitions as part of regeneration and improvement work and act quickly on dangerous buildings requiring emergency demolition with a three hour or less response time.

A total of 24 suppliers have been awarded onto the framework, all committed to recycling up to 95% of materials.

Councillor Mike Holmes, convener of Scotland Excel, said: “Our new demolition contract is the first national framework of its kind to offer demolition services to all 32 councils.

“It will give them the tools to quickly and efficiently source work from specialist contractors that have gone through a detailed tender process.

“As well as securing the competitive rates for emergency demolition labour, mini competitions for planned works will ensure councils get competitive prices, quick turn around, and tailored work packages to meet the specific needs of each scheduled demolition programme.”

The framework suppliers include William Munro Construction (Highland), Safedem and the Glasgow office of Keltbray, as well as English-based contractors KDC, Erith and Brown and Mason.

Scotland Excel added that the majority of companies involved are small to medium-sized enterprises.