What's Happening?
Manchester City Council has commenced early market engagement for a new £1.2bn construction framework aimed at the North West region. This framework, set to replace the existing North West Construction
Hub High Value Framework, will run from 2027 to 2031 and is expected to deliver up to £1bn of public sector construction work, excluding VAT. The council has outlined a broad scope of projects, including civic buildings, educational and healthcare facilities, subsidized housing, laboratories, crematoriums, cultural venues, and commercial offices. Contractors interested in participating are required to register on the council’s procurement portal, The Chest, by November 11. A virtual market engagement event will be held, with attendance by invitation only.
Why It's Important?
The launch of this framework is significant as it represents a substantial investment in the North West region's infrastructure, potentially boosting local economies and providing numerous job opportunities. The framework's focus on public sector construction work highlights the council's commitment to improving community facilities and services. By engaging contractors early, the council aims to gather feedback to inform the structure of the new arrangement, ensuring it meets the needs of both clients and contractors. This initiative could set a precedent for other regions seeking to enhance their infrastructure through large-scale frameworks.
What's Next?
The council plans to award the contract in early 2027, with the possibility of extending the framework by one year to 2031. As the procurement process progresses, contractors will likely prepare to submit proposals and participate in the virtual market engagement event. The council's approach to gathering feedback from ongoing projects under existing frameworks may lead to adjustments in the framework's structure, ensuring it is well-suited to the region's needs. Stakeholders, including political leaders and businesses, will be closely monitoring the framework's development and its potential impact on the region.
