HEREFORDSHIRE Council has unveiled plans for a new £100m four-year scheme to drive major infrastructure and public space improvements across the county, while fostering further opportunities for local businesses.

The ‘innovative’ Highways and Public Realm Schemes Framework continues the council’s adoption of a mixed-economy model to provide highway improvements ands boost the local economy, moving away from reliance on a single supplier to engage a diverse range of providers.

A council spokesperson said: “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, is designed to 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.

Prior to July 2024, the council relied on a single supplier (Balfour Beatty) to deliver all its public realm works needs.

The current framework, worth up to £40m, was then introduced and allowed more flexibility by allowing multiple suppliers to bid for works.

The spokesperson added: “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 June 1, 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. “

The proposed £100m framework is designed to deliver safer, smoother roads, resilient infrastructure and more appealing public spaces.

The council spokesperson said: “Well-kept public places and spaces aren’t just more attractive.

“They mean less disruption and are safer, smoother and easier to get around, and by increasing the opportunities to involve local businesses, we can help boost the economy and bring benefits to all.”

Cllr Dan Hurcomb (Conservative, Bircher Ward, Leominster), 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.”

The framework is set to commence in April 2026 and will operate for four years.

A summary of benefits foreseen by the council include: