The seasonally adjusted estimate of construction output in the first quarter of this year shows an increase of 5.4% (£1.5billion) on the same quarter last year, according to figures released today (9 May) by the Office for National Statistics.

Compared with the previous quarter, output rose 0.6% (£180million). There were increases in both new build (up 0.9% or £160million) and repair & maintenance (up 0.2% or £20million).

Of the year-on-year increase, £1billion was attributable to new work and the remaining £0.5billion to repair & maintenance.

Output in March is estimated to be £9.4billion, 1% down on February.