Construction orders rose 5.8% in the six months to 30 September compared with the same period last year, according to figures from the RICS.
The institution鈥檚 economic report, published this month, said the growth in output was likely to continue next year, despite a predicted fall in commercial and industrial projects.

The main factor in the market is public sector work, with total orders in the six months to 30 June rising 7.8% compared with the same period last year.

The report said: 鈥淓ven if output showed no further increase this year, full year growth would still be an incredible 6%. Public orders climbed 鈥� 23% in the third quarter alone.鈥�

Office orders fell 12% in the year to 30 September compared with last year, and industrial orders are 8% below their peak in 2000.