A JOINT venture between Amec and Interserve Facilities Management has been awarded an extension to their contract for new office accommodation for the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP).

Through the Newcastle Estates Partnership (NEP), the two companies are involved in developing the new offices at Tyneview Park in Newcastle, as part of the Inland Revenue Newcastle Estate Private Finance Initiative (PFI) Project.

The site currently houses around 2,200 staff for the DWP, but the extension will increase this number to 2,800.

The new 5,400sq m accommodation is scheduled for completion early next year.

Paul Parry, chief executive of NEP, said: "Amec and Interserve, through NEP, are pleased to have secured this additional element to the existing PFI contract.

"This is testament to the current status of the project where we have achieved all our construction and services milestones and have developed a very effective partnering relationship with the client."