In a move designed to ensure there is greater private sector input in planning and delivering Wales’ major infrastructure projects, Constructing Excellence in Wales (CEW) has been tasked by the Welsh Government’s Minister for Finance, Jane Hutt AM to develop a Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan (WIIP) private sector stakeholder forum.

The forum will assist the Welsh Government in shaping the future direction of capital investment in Wales. It will incorporate views from across the private sphere and provide crucial feedback to Ministers on the dynamics and pressures specifically faced by the construction sector. It will also ensure the private sector is ready to tackle major infrastructure projects via a clear understanding of what capital projects are in the pipeline. Importantly, this will allow organisations to plan for development well in advance, helping to form the right skills mix such as experienced project managers, and assist in schemes being delivered on time and to budget. 

This approach will ensure Wales’ Infrastructure Plan has a cross sectorial perspective and is truly fit for purpose and deliverable.

Via its Major Projects Task Group, CEW has led the way in Wales in studying major infrastructure projects, what is needed in the future, what funding will be required, and what projects should be delivered and how to deliver them. The creation of a new forum ensures this knowledge is taken a step further.

Milica Kitson, Chief Executive of Constructing Excellence in Wales adds: “With the economic environment proving ever more challenging and budgets available to spend on major infrastructure projects being cut, it is crucial that Wales gets its future plans on capital investment absolutely right.

“What we will ensure via the new WIIP stakeholder forum is that the breadth of knowledge and experience harnessed by the private sector is fed into the mix and has a real impact on how future projects are planned and delivered in Wales.

“We are delighted the Welsh Government has chosen CEW to take forward this important initiative and are confident we can assist Ministers in making the right choices for Wales moving forward.”