Construction growth expected in 2014
Output set to fall by more than 2% this year but recovery anticipated in the medium term
CONSTRUCTION output is set to fall by more than 2% this year following an 8% contraction in 2012, according to the latest forecasts published by the Construction Products Association. However, a recovery is anticipated in the medium term with growth of 1.9% in 2014 and 3.8% in 2015.
Noble Francis (pictured), economics director of the Construction Products Association, commented: ‘The industry lost £9 billion of activity last year and these latest forecasts anticipate a further £2 billion loss in 2013. This fall is primarily due to the lack of private sector investment and the continuing bite of public sector spending cuts. Conditions were exacerbated by poor weather during the first quarter.
‘Of most concern is the fall in output in private commercial, the largest construction sector, which fell 10% last year and is estimated to fall a further 7% in 2013,’ said Mr Francis.
‘Despite this, we are already encouraged by signs of improved market activity, primarily driven by private housing and infrastructure. We anticipate that government policies such as Help to Buy will boost private housing, which is expected to rise 19% in just two years. Infrastructure activity is set for 7% growth in 2013, boosted primarily by rail construction such as Crossrail, Europe’s largest project, and station refurbishments around the country.
‘Overall, 2013 is anticipated to be extremely challenging. From 2014 prospects are brighter for the industry, but the key risk is the extent to which government announcements feed through to activity on the ground.’
Key points in the forecasts include:
- Construction output to fall 2.1% in 2013
- Private house starts to rise 19% in two years
- Public education and health construction both set to fall 15% this year
- Private commercial, the largest sector, to fall 7% this year
- Rail infrastructure to grow 14% in 2013
- Energy infrastructure to grow 15% per year from 2015.
