L&Q Announce Contractors for 15 Year £3bn Upgrade Framework
Committing to the future delivery of projects spanning 15 years, L&Q have recently announced the ten winning contractors selected to carry out work to improve social landlord’s homes across the UK. Housing Industry Leaders unveils the winners and explores what this commitment means for the retrofit sector in the UK more widely.
The usual suspects, including Morgan Sindall and Wates, were among the firms picked to deliver the ambitious £3bn programme, running until the late 2030s.
Named the Major Works Investment Programme, it is expected that by the end of the scheme, L&Qs housing stock will be raised in line with the Decent Homes Standard and go one step further to exceed the minimum requirement of the Standard. It will see the delivery of over 45,000 new kitchens and 40,000 new bathrooms.
Contractors have a list of objectives they must meet
Covering all angles of the housing sector, contractors will be required to deliver on services, including estate and environmental improvements, planned mechanical and engineering works and internal decorations.
It also includes specialist fire safety works inside L&Q Living-supported homes. This comes off the back of tougher fire regulations making their way through parliament and the government’s stern stance on housebuilders adhering to new regulations and standards.
Initial contracts worth £100m, rising in the future
In the beginning phases of the upgrade framework, the initial contracts will be worth around £100m, with this escalating to £300m once the progress has been tracked and funds directed to areas that will have the most impact.
While the programme spans over 15 years, there are significant benchmarks along the route to ensure enough progress is being made by the contractors. This includes the target of all L&Q homes brought up to EPC C status by 2028, supported by a further £27m from the SHDF.
Other winners on L&Q’s Major Works Investment Programme include Amber Construction, Axis Europe, Breyer Group, Durkan, Equans, Foster, Kier Places, and United Living.
