Driving Social Value through Infrastructure: A1331 Phase 1, Colchester
A major infrastructure upgrade in Colchester is already delivering significant value for local people, businesses and the environment. It demonstrates how large-scale highways projects can serve wider community goals through proactive social value delivery.
Delivered by Octavius Infrastructure for Essex County Council, the A1331 Phase 1 scheme has been procured through the Civil Engineering & Infrastructure Framework, which we manage on behalf of contracting authority QE Facilities. With a total value of £27.8 million, the project commenced in September 2024 and has already achieved over £2.38 million in measurable social value, representing 9% of the total project value, with further initiatives planned for the months ahead.
Embedding Community Impact into Infrastructure Delivery
The A1331 upgrade is a strategic project for the county, improving road networks, safety and future resilience for local communities. From the outset, Octavius has worked closely with Essex County Council to ensure the project delivers beyond transport infrastructure, using the framework’s flexibility to embed social, environmental and economic benefit into every stage of the programme.
Just six months into delivery, the team’s efforts have already had a measurable impact across four key areas.
Supporting the Local Economy
Octavius has taken an active approach to keeping investment local, providing a direct boost to the Essex economy.
- £2,092,321 of project spend has gone to local SMEs, helping to build resilience and stimulate growth within Essex’s business community.
- A further £59,925 has been spent directly within the Essex region.
- The site currently supports 14 full-time and 18 part-time employees from Essex, ensuring local employment is central to the project’s delivery model.
This commitment to local spend and employment ensures that the benefits of the project are felt within the community both now and in the future.
Creating Opportunities for Learning and Development
Education and outreach have been central to the project’s social value strategy.
- 48 students and educators have engaged in outreach activities since the start of the project.
- A careers talk was delivered at County Hall, engaging Essex-based careers leaders and teachers with real-world insights into the infrastructure sector.
By connecting with education partners early in the programme, the team is helping to build awareness of construction careers, support curriculum-linked learning and inspire the next generation of infrastructure professionals.
Promoting Environmental Responsibility
The A1331 Phase 1 team has also made significant progress in reducing environmental impact and supporting sustainability.
- Seven low-emission staff vehicles are in use on site, contributing to a reduction of 48,640 vehicle miles in carbon emissions so far.
- Concrete pipes have been donated to Beth Chatto Gardens, where they are now being used as planters, adding value to a local environmental education site.
- Used kerbs were provided to a local resident for the creation of a garden pond, demonstrating how surplus materials can be reused to support grassroots sustainability.
These environmental efforts not only reduce waste and emissions but also help connect the project to wider community-led environmental goals.
Strengthening Community Connections
The social value delivered through the A1331 project also includes meaningful community engagement and volunteering.
- Thirty-eight hours of volunteer work have been carried out with The Conservation Volunteers, supporting green space projects in Danbury, Wivenhoe and Highwoods Country Park.
- Six hours have been spent supporting Tesco FareShare, helping to redistribute food to local people in need.
- A Meet the Contractor event was delivered with 20 staff hours committed to engaging local residents and members of Essex County Council, helping build transparency, trust and local pride in the project.
These activities reflect a hands-on approach that brings the community into the heart of the delivery process.
Delivering Value Beyond the Road
The A1331 Phase 1 scheme shows what can be achieved when infrastructure delivery is combined with a long-term view on social value. By aligning with local priorities and engaging partners throughout Essex, Octavius Infrastructure is demonstrating that civil engineering projects can support economic, environmental and community wellbeing in equal measure.
This achievement was formally recognised when the project received Highly Commended in the Best Project Delivering Social Value category at the 2025 Pagabo Awards, celebrating its outstanding contribution to the local area and its people.
David Llewellyn, Head of Construction & Infrastructure at Pagabo, went on to say,
“At Pagabo, we believe that public sector procurement should go far beyond simply delivering the physical asset. It should leave a legacy that benefits local people, places and the environment. The A1331 scheme in Colchester is a fantastic example of this in action. Octavius and Essex County Council have shown how social value can be embedded at the heart of a major infrastructure project. We are proud to have supported this success through our Civils & Infrastructure Framework. Being recognised at the Pagabo Awards is a well-deserved achievement for everyone involved.”
Paul Browne, A1331 Project Manager at Octavius, said: “On the A1331 project, the team has shown how The Octavius Way delivers real impact. The team has embraced localism by employing local people, supporting SMEs, and spending through local suppliers, while also promoting environmental responsibility through efficient and sustainable processes. In collaboration with other contractors, we’ve delivered community activities and held engagement events, recognising the impact of our works and ensuring residents’ voices were heard.”
Sarah O’Mahoney, Social Value Manager at Octavius, added: “At Octavius, our mission is to delight our customers whilst leaving a legacy. On the A1331, that legacy is seen not just in the infrastructure we build, but in the stronger communities, thriving businesses, and positive environmental outcomes we leave behind.”
A Framework for Meaningful Impact
This project demonstrates how the Civil Engineering & Infrastructure Framework enables local authorities and contractors to work together to deliver more than just physical infrastructure. By embedding social value throughout the programme, Octavius Infrastructure is helping to build stronger communities and a more sustainable Essex.
The A1331 Phase 1 scheme provides a clear example of how public sector procurement, when guided by the right values and delivery partners, can drive measurable and lasting benefit beyond the build itself.
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