Contractors will provide preparatory works at EDF nuclear power plant in Somerset

A Kier and Bam Nuttall joint venture has signed contracts with EDF Energy to carry out preparatory works at proposed nuclear power plant Hinkley Point C in Somerset, in a deal worth 拢100m.

The work includes excavation, earthworks, terracing, the installation of construction site infrastructure and formation of roads and networks to allow main construction to start. The firms said the contract was expected to create 350 jobs.

Formal completion of the deal comes after the UK and France signed an agreement to co-operate more closely on nuclear plant developments at a summit between prime minister David Cameron and president Nicholas Sarkozy last Friday.

Kier Group chief executive Paul Sheffield said: 鈥淏oth Kier and Bam have an excellent track record in the nuclear industry and enjoy a long-standing relationship built over many years of working together in joint venture.

鈥淭he Kier Bam team is looking forward to supporting EDF in its plans to deliver the first new nuclear power station in the UK for over two decades.鈥�

Hinkley Point C is being built adjacent to Hinkley Point B (pictured), the working life of which has been extended until 2016.

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