RPS sees a number of significant opportunities in the Commercial market sector, despite the construction industry and associated professionals experiencing a challenging economic downturn. Constraints in the availability of private funding is not only impacting upon the private sector but also the public sector in such areas as private finance initiatives (PFI’s) and mixed use developments relying upon cross subsidy of private investment supporting government funding of projects. However, RPS is keenly placed to attract opportunities in affordable housing, healthcare and education, as we have the necessary resources and capabilities to pursue such projects.

The government remains committed to the delivery of affordable housing throughout the UK and has now announced a further initiative to provide 10, 300 low price homes in settlements with a maximum of 3000 people by 2011 to boost rural England. Other sectors such as health care and education are still being positively supported by government with the procurement of work under the Building Schools for the Future initiative. Regeneration is also a fundamental necessity in order to reverse the depravation of many communities and eliminate antisocial behaviour together with a reduction in crime levels. RPS is a multidisciplinary organisation with all of the necessary skills and experience to assist Clients and Local Authorities in the process of consultation, option appraisals, master planning, and design focussing on sustainability, environmental impact and value for money, and therefore has considerable experience in all of these sectors.