The UK government's Environment Agency has named the Pentium consortium as preferred PFI (private finance initiative) bidder for the £30-million contract to improve and maintain the Pevensey Bay sea defences on the south coast of England.
This is the first PFI contract for a flood defence scheme in the UK. The Pentium consortium - comprising contractors Westminster Dredging, Dean & Dyball and Mackley Construction together with consulting group Mouchel and financial advisor KPMG Corporate Finance - is set to manage the defences for 25 years, starting early in year 2000.
The contract will improve the level of protection along 9km of shingle bank coastline between Eastbourne and Bexhill. Some 3000 properties, several caravan parks, road and railway links, and the Pevensey Levels SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), will benefit from the scheme.
Pentium will manage the sea defences from the start of the contract. During the first year the consortium will also carry out third-party consultations and produce an Environmental Statement before improving the existing shingle beaches. Shingle will be imported from offshore sites to reinforce the beaches as the need arises.
Westminster Dredging managing director Phil Roland said: "We are delighted that Pentium has been selected as preferred bidder for this pathfinding PFI project. The consortium contains an abundance of coastal engineering design and contracting experience, plus an intimate knowledge of the south coast of England.
"We must thank the Treasury Task Force, Environment Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, as well as the local authorities for all the hard work they have contributed to the PFI process. We are certain their confidence in Pentium is fully justified."
Issued on behalf of Pentium by:
Alex Morris, PR Consultant, Mouchel.