093/06
4 July 2006
Ground-Breaking Agreement On Olympic Construction
The Government today signed off a ground-breaking vision developed with the construction industry to showcase the very best of British construction practices, using the Olympics as a live example.
The document – entitled "2012 Construction Commitments" – covers six key areas of the construction process and is designed to promote collaborative working and ensure the successful delivery of the Games infrastructure, buildings and subsequent legacy.
The Commitments were developed by the Strategic Forum for Construction's 2012 Task Group in conjunction with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and the Department of Trade and Industry. Areas covered include:
• Client leadership;
• Procurement and Integration;
• Design;
• Sustainability;
• Commitment to People;
• Health and Safety.
Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said:
"We can be proud of the wealth of talent and experience within the construction industry in this country. The agreement we have signed today will allow us to capitalise on this expertise to put on an exceptional games that will be the pride of the UK for a generation.
top
"We are determined to ensure that we have in place the structures to make London 2012 the best games ever, delivered to the highest standards in design, health and safety and sustainability. By working together with the industry, I am convinced that we can build inspirational venues for 2012."
The document is the result of detailed discussions over a number of months and is unique in terms of the scope of partnership and collaborative working between industry and Government. The Commitments reinforce and underpin the Olympic Delivery Authority's (ODA) procurement policies and the appointment of the delivery partner who will work with the ODA to manage the programme to build the Olympic park.
Peter Rogers, Chairman of the Strategic Forum 2012 Task Group says:
"The Government's agreement to signing up to the 2012 Construction Commitments is fantastic news. The Strategic Forum 2012 Task Group was set up to develop this document with assistance from industry, Government and the various Olympic organisations.
"We see the Olympics as a unique catalyst in improving the industry, and gaining Government backing is a significant achievement. However this is just one step in the process, now all client and industry stakeholders will sign up to the Commitments, embedding these principles into the activities of their organisation, as we endeavour to achieve a better industry."
David Higgins, Chief Executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority, which is delivering the permanent venues and infrastructure for the Games, said:
"We welcome this document and look forward to working with the construction industry to achieve the best practice commitments set out in it."
top
Notes to Editors
1. 2012 Construction Commitments can be found at http://www.strategicforum.org.uk.
2. The DCMS is the lead Government Department for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
3. The DTI is responsible for maximising the wider economic benefits of London 2012 across the UK, including helping businesses get fit to supply the Olympics, encouraging sector-led initiatives such as the Construction Commitment, using the Games to maximise skills and employment, encouraging enterprise, business growth and investment and to promote science innovation and technology.
4. 2012 Task Group:
|
Chairman |
Peter Rogers |
|
Government |
The Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MP |
|
Architecture &Design |
Rab Bennetts OBE |
|
Commercial |
Richard Clare |
|
The Regions |
Dr Bryan Jackson OBE |
|
Client |
David Higgins |
|
Sustainability & Services |
Peter Head OBE |
|
Specialist Contractor |
Trevor Hursthouse |
|
Skills |
Sir Michael Latham |
|
Infrastructure & Engineering |
Rod Macdonald |
|
Legal |
Ann Minogue |
|
Distributor |
Matt Nichols |
|
Unions |
Alan Ritchie |
|
Secretary |
Graham Watts |
|
Materials Producer |
Mike Welton |
|
Observer |
Bob White |
|
SME |
Graham Wren |
|
Major Contractor |
Andrew Wyllie |
Press Enquiries: 020 7211 6145
Out of hours telephone pager no: 07699 751 153
Public Enquiries: 020 7211 6200
top
|
