星空传媒

Western European construction is set to slow down in 2007, a new report has claimed. While construction output will rise 2.6% this year, it is forecast to falter during the following year due to a drop in new residential activity.

Civil engineering output growth in Western Europe will also slow down until 2008, while new non-residential construction growth will be in the range of 2.0 to 2.5%.

However, the market in Eastern Europe will see increased construction activity in the next two years. Output will increase by 7 - 8% during 2006-2008.

The growth will be led by countries such as Hungary and Poland, which have attracted investment since joining the EU, said the report from Experian, the forecasting group.

James Hastings of Experian business strategies said: 鈥淭he Western European construction market is mature and investment from both public and private sources has been abundant. Consequently, construction in Western Europe is mainly concerned with maintaining, extending and improving existing infrastructure. By contrast, construction in Eastern Europe is focused on installing the built environment necessary to facilitate new economic development.鈥�

See the next edition of QS News for the report in full.