It is currently bidding for the Sellafield Infrastructure Strategic Alliance, a £1.1 bn, 15-year framework which will deliver major infrastructure projects for the site.

Sellafield are keen to award work to locally based companies and the contracting group now ticks the box with an office at Westlakes Science and Technology Park in Whitehaven. This is the third office to open in the North West of England.

Morgan Sindall’s Cumbrian team will be led by Andy Crowder, Utility Services strategic and business development director, who is based at the Westlakes Science and Technology Park.

Graham Shennan, managing director of Morgan Sindall, said: “We already have a robust and trusted business in the North West, with established offices in Manchester and Liverpool. This move demonstrates the significant focus we are placing on Cumbria going forward.

“The nuclear industry and its supply chain are critical to the economic development of West Cumbria. There is the potential for up to £41bn of projects in the region over the next two decades and we have the expertise and scale to play a key role in that work.

He added: “We are looking forward to a long term presence in Cumbria that includes bringing the resources of our wider parent group, Morgan Sindall Group plc, to the ongoing challenge of regeneration.

“Our partner company, Morgan Sindall Investments Limited, has the ability to provide funding for regeneration projects and our affordable housing arm, Lovell, already has an established presence in the region.”

This month Morgan Sindall completed the £5.5m construction of the Dalton Cumbrian Facility nuclear research centre in Whitehaven. It is now setting its sights on becomming a major nuclear framework provider.

Morgan Sindall’s energy expertise includes work at nuclear sites including AWE at Aldermaston and Urenco at Capenhurst.

In addition to constructing the DCF for the University of Manchester, the firm’s previous work includes delivering two vital bridge construction projects in Workington for Cumbria County Council following the devastating floods in 2009 – the Navvies footbridge and a £2 million temporary road bridge over the River Derwent.

Andy Crowder said: “The opening of this new office is a natural step in our long term presence in Cumbria. We see significant opportunities to bring our expertise to bear on forthcoming projects and intend to provide strong support for the Britain’s Energy Coast initiative.

“We’ve already built up a great track record locally and have enjoyed productive dialogue with Sellafield Ltd since 2009. We’re now looking forward to contributing further to the development of the region and to help create new opportunities for the local supply chain.”