SELLAFIELD has awarded a contract worth £150-£250million to Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick and EJ Parker Technical Services to deliver its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services.

The site's programme and project partners (PPP) awarded the long-term package as part of a 'pioneering' new way of awarding long-term work.

The HVAC package is the first of several to be awarded by PPP over the coming months as part of a major framework to last the next 18 years.

It has been procured under a new so-called 'multi-project procurement model' which encourages long-term collaboration throughout the supply chain, enhanced project delivery, and paves the way for greater economic and social impact in the West Cumbria region.

The model will see the appointment of 'key delivery partners' to deliver work packages covering everything from electrical and instrumentation and fabrication and manufacturing to groundworks and general civils.

Eldon Garnett, on behalf of PPP management board, said: “It’s really pleasing to award our first contract as part of the MPP process, enabling us to start to realise the benefits that we know this programme will deliver.

“Looking at the responses during the HVAC tender process, there is clearly huge enthusiasm right across the supply chain to be part of the PPP team, addressing the wider Sellafield Ltd mission.

"We look forward to welcoming more key delivery partners in the months ahead.”

Stuart Driscoll, managing director, at EJ Parker Technical Services, said: “We are delighted to be appointed as one of the first key delivery partners by PPP.

"Our team has large, complex HVAC experience and our values of people, safety and service are a good alignment for this opportunity.

"We are looking forward to working closely with the PPP Lot partners, KDP’s and supply chain members to successfully deliver this framework.”

Mark Bullock, Balfour Beatty chief executive officer, UK Construction Services added: “Our deep knowledge and expertise, combined with our sustainable, innovative delivery approach will enable us to safely and successfully deliver the HVAC works required at Sellafield.

“We look forward to supporting as a key delivery partner; helping to provide greater economic and social impact across the region for many years to come.”