£1.5bn Northern Construction Framework Open for Bids
A construction framework worth £1.5 billion which aims to deliver mixed-use housing across the North of England has opened for bids from interested consultants and contractor suppliers.
Innovation Chain North (ICN) will run this latest procurement framework for four years, beginning next year until 2028. Once accepted onto the framework, suppliers will then be able to secure contracts from ICN clients.
The framework, which was founded in 2012 and led by Great Places Housing Group, will include consultant lots including Agent, Structural Engineer, Building Surveying, Architectural Services, Principal Designer, Clerk of Works, Purchasers Agent, Health and Safety Advisor, Planning Consultancy, Site Investigation Services, Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Engineering and Retrofit Consultants.
The building contractor lots will include high-value and low-value bands, apartment specialists, and construction services providing a wraparound to Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) technologies.
Nick Gornall, Director of Development at Great Places Housing Group, said:
We’re delighted to launch our latest iteration of the Innovation Chain North framework, which will enable us and other Registered Providers to deliver high-quality, affordable, and sustainable homes across the North of England in full compliance with the Public Contract Regulations.
“Great Places alone has ambitions to deliver over 5,000 new homes by 2028, and we can only achieve this with the support of a range of contractors and consultancy practices. We’ve designed this framework in collaboration with our existing client members and by listening to feedback from our current suppliers to ensure the new framework will deliver for everyone.
“The success of our previous frameworks is a testament to the strong collaboration and partnership that has been developed between Great Places and other Registered Providers, as well as our continuing commitment to innovation and value for money.
“We look forward to working with a diverse range of suppliers who share our vision and values, and who can help us meet the continuing demand for affordable homes across the North.”
The framework prioritises social value
According to ICN, the aim of the framework is the deliver high-quality, sustainable homes that meet current and future needs of residents.
The framework also aims to encourage innovation and collaboration while building homes, and seeks to deliver a consistent, sustainable job creation and training within the local communities they serve.
As part of the framework tender process, contractors and consultants must submit a social value pledge to ensure and monitor social value outcomes.
To date, £1.1 million of social value has been pledged by consultants, with a further £20.1 million pledged by contractors.
This has included consultants offering specialist advice for voluntary, community, or social enterprise organisations, and contractors committing to spending on supplies within the local economy and hiring local full-time apprenticeships.
Applications for this latest ICN procurement framework come to a close on 15 December 2023.
