Herefordshire Council has unveiled plans for a new Highways and Public Realm Schemes Framework (up to the value of £100 million) to drive major infrastructure and public space improvements across the county, while fostering further opportunities for local businesses.
This innovative framework continues the council’s adoption of a mixed-economy model, moving away from reliance on a single supplier to engage a diverse range of providers. By further dividing a more extensive framework into specialised lots, it enables both large contractors and smaller, local firms to bid for specific areas of work. This inclusive approach creates direct opportunities for regional suppliers, strengthening Herefordshire’s economy and building sustainable, long-term partnerships.
The framework, which comes into place in April 2026 will support a wide range of major projects, including road resurfacing, highway structures, civil engineering, bridge and structural enhancements, traffic signal upgrades, footway and cycleway improvements, public space landscaping, drainage systems and tree surveys. These efforts are vital to ensuring Herefordshire’s highways and public spaces are safe, sustainable and future-ready.
Prior to July 2024 the council relied on a single supplier (Balfour Beatty) to deliver all its public realm works needs. In July of that year the existing framework, worth up to £40 million was introduced and allowed more flexibility by allowing multiple suppliers to bid for works, for example roads resurfacing. With the current framework approaching its spending capacity the new initiative ensures continuity, opens up more opportunities for local suppliers and gives resilience in delivering essential services. Furthermore, the new framework’s flexible procurement model, allowing both mini-competitions and direct awards, maximises value for money while supporting the Council’s ambitions to enhance public spaces and promote more travel options for all road users.
Running alongside the new framework, a separate Public Realm Contract, set to begin on 1 June 2026, will cover high-volume, less specialised maintenance tasks such as grass cutting, pothole repairs and litter bin emptying (in parks and public places). Tenders for this contract closed on 26 September 2025, with the award expected in December 2025.
Cllr Dan Hurcomb, Cabinet Member for Local Engagement and Community Resilience, said:
“This proposed framework could be a game-changer for Herefordshire, empowering local businesses to play a key role in maintaining and improving our county’s infrastructure – making roads and public spaces safer, more attractive and easier and quicker to get around. In doing so it can help increase productivity while boosting our local economy, and ensuring value for money for our communities. It’s the latest example of how we are improving our public realm services and delivering on our commitment for better roads and public spaces.”
The decision to approve the framework will be made on 8 October 2025. If approved, the framework is set to commence in April 2026 and will operate for four years.