Belfast business wins Whitesands contract

A £45million contract for the Whitesands flood works has been awarded to McLaughlin & Harvey.

Dumfries and Galloway Council this week announced the Belfast based firm as the successful bidder.

Officials say start dates and phasing will be confirmed in the coming weeks, but confirmed the works are expected to take 43 months to complete.

Executive director of economy and infrastructure Lisa Hawkin yesterday said: “Agreeing the contract marks the completion of the procurement stage for the main works. The council will continue preparations for delivery, including ongoing communication and engagement with residents, businesses and stakeholders as further information becomes available.”

Updates will be published on the council’s website.

The project is designed to reduce flood risk in Dumfries town centre from the River Nith while also delivering public realm improvements along the riverside corridor in Dumfries from Greensands, through Whitesands to Dock Park.

Its overall cost is £68.6 million, of which the local authority is paying £13.7 million.