Teignbridge District Council is set to save over quarter of a million pounds in the next five years thanks to a new grounds maintenance contract with Quadron.
The deal will see Quadron take on responsibility for grounds maintenance around the district from 1st December 2010 on a five year contract. The new deal saves the council 50k per year compared to its old contract, and an innovative fixed-price agreement means the cost won't be subject to inflation, likely to save an additional 55k - 80k over the length of the deal.
Quadron will take on maintenance of green spaces all over Teignbridge, including approximately 400,000 square metres of grass, 20 sports pitches, three bowling greens, 40,000 square metres of hedgerow, 1500 square metres of flower displays and 25,000 square metres of shrub beds.
In addition to keeping Teignbridge's parks and open spaces spic and span, the agreement also includes a range of value-added features to help improve the service. These include:
- A proposal to redevelop the glasshouse facility at Cross Park nursery in Newton Abbot and make it available to the adjacent allotment holders, as well as to local schools and community groups.
- An apprenticeship scheme to ensure the continuity of horticultural skills in the workforce, create job opportunities, and enhance sustainability within the local area.
- Provision of a dedicated early morning clean-up squad to deal with litter in busy areas.
- Working with charities and local organisations to provide training opportunities and assist with gaining funding and sponsorship for local projects.
- A green waste recycling scheme for green waste generated during grounds maintenance work.
Cllr Anne Fry, Teignbridge Executive Spokesperson for Recreational Services said:
"We have a firm commitment to providing top-quality parks and open spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy, and keeping them safe, tidy and presentable is important to us all.
To secure such a financially competitive deal which saves taxpayers money would in itself be cause for celebration; but with the added bonuses of apprenticeships, recycling schemes, an early-morning clean-up squad, a regenerated community glasshouse, and training and support for local charities and community groups; were thrilled with the value this new contract brings."
Clive Ivil, Managing Director of Quadron added: "Teignbridge Council has taken an innovative stance in this time of austerity by fixing their budget for the next five years and challenging contractors to provide a community-focused, output based service. We are particularly pleased to win this contract because the criteria for success were all quality driven.