Businesses of all sizes from all over Wales are gathering at an event in Pontypridd today to hear how they can directly benefit from the £700m investment in the South Wales Metro.
Transport for Wales (TfW), the not-for-profit company established by the Welsh Government to procure the next Wales and Borders Rail Service and Metro, is about to embark on a second procurement exercise, to select a number of suppliers onto a framework agreement that will be used during the construction of the South Wales Metro.
The framework will be in multiple lots to deliver a wide range of construction opportunities including general construction works such as stations and platforms, electrification works, signalling and communications and trackwork.
The initial purpose of the framework will be to deliver the infrastructure needed for the South Wales Metro, however it will be a Wales wide framework envisaged to be worth around £1bn.
Speaking at the event, Economy and Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates said, “ The South Wales Metro is not just about delivering much needed improvements in integrated transport in the area, we have always been clear that we want to ensure Wales as a whole benefits from the investment.
“To achieve this, there will be a requirement for larger suppliers to demonstrate how they will work with smaller suppliers across Wales. They must also demonstrate a commitment to providing local employment and how they’re investing in training and skills developments.”