Herefordshire Council has unveiled plans for a £100m Highways and Public Realm Schemes Framework aimed at upgrading infrastructure and public spaces across the county while creating opportunities for local businesses.
Building on the council’s mixed-economy approach, the new framework allows multiple suppliers—including smaller, regional firms—to bid for specialised lots of work, from road resurfacing and bridge improvements to landscaping, footway upgrades, and traffic signal enhancements.
The model promotes competition, resilience, and value for money, ensuring essential services can continue without reliance on a single contractor, according to the council.
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, with work set to begin in April 2026.
