Fit-out framework named as HMRC project inches forward

Fit-out contractors including Overbury and Sale-based Styles & Wood have been appointed to a nine-strong framework, as the Government Property Unit seeks to consolidate HMRC from more than 170 locations into 13 regional centres.

The work is split into a large projects framework and two smaller lots, divided into northern and southern projects worth up to £25m each. BAM Construction, ISG and Shaylor have been appointed to both smaller lots, Styles & Wood the northern lot and BW Interiors the southern lot. Mace, Interserve, Overbury and Wates have been appointed on all three lots.

Proposed locations within the Government Hubs Programme include Liverpool and Manchester. India Buildings in Water Street has been named as the preferred location in Liverpool, where architect Falconer Chester Hall has been working for HMRC on plans to reconfigure the space.

In Manchester, the plans are less advanced. Agents suggest that the requirement now stands at between 200,000 sq ft and 250,000 sq ft for phase one.

Place North West understands that shortlisted parties, thought to include New Bailey and NOMA along with Circle Square and First Street, were contacted in spring with a reassurance that the project is still live, although with an adjusted delivery timeframe, which might bring other locations into play.

The project description issued through OJEU said the centres will be “equipped with the digital infrastructure and training facilities needed to make HMRC a more highly-skilled organisation, fit for the demands of the 21st century”. The programme covers a four-year period.