Highways England has awarded Kier a £50 million design services contract for the East Midlands region.

The five-year deal covers 'Area 7' and will begin on 01 July 2016.

Kier Highways will prepare technical designs and undertake supporting work for capital projects, from the initial scheme feasibility phase through to as-build phase.

The deal is the first awarded under Highways England's new asset-led delivery model.

'Area 7' comprises on 79km of motorway and 428km of trunk roads in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland, including stretches of the M1, M6 and A1.

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Kier added it will now be in a 'strong position' to bid for further contracts beyond the four Areas it currently operates (1,3,9 and 13).

Kier Group chief executive, Haydn Mursell, said: "This design services award contract reflects our adaptability and flexibility when working with clients, whilst showcasing our enhanced offering that has been strengthened by the acquisition of Mouchel. We are pleased to be able to benefit from Highways England's new asset led delivery model, which allows us to participate in further contract awards beyond the four Areas that we currently operate."

David Poole, director for commercial and procurement at Highways England, added: "We are delighted to welcome Kier to our East Midlands supply chain community. The awarding of this new contract represents a significant milestone for Highways England, marking a real change in the way we have previously managed contracts."

(LM)