The agreement, valued at approximately £70m, will include:

  * architecture and quantity surveying
  
  * building maintenance and mechanical/electrical design
  
  * engineering design
  
  * estate management
  
  * highways management and street lighting; and
  
  * drainage.

The contract will be delivered by Capita's property and infrastructure consultancy, Capita Symonds.

To support the delivery of the property and highway services, approximately 150 Council employees are expected to transfer to Capita Symonds under TUPE on 1 October 2008.

Further negotiations are taking place. The contract is expected to be for a 10 year period with an option to extend for a further five years.