Featured Sector: Community & Amenity

The community and amenity sector has suffered as local authorities and government departments have diverted capital spending away to more politically sensitive areas. The value of underlying project starts rose by 8% in 2013; however this muted rebound followed a 27% fall the previous year.

The largest declines in 2012 were seen in the construction of local government buildings, such as council offices and town halls.

Last year saw a modest uplift in the sector, with starts rising by 7% over the year. These gains came as the types of work that led the decline during the previous year, local government offices and town halls, rebounded from 2012’s low levels.

Project starts during the first eight months were unchanged on a year ago and the sector is expected to remain under pressure during the forecast period, with low levels of projects coming through the development pipeline.