Bidding opens on £750m Innovation Chain North framework

Great Places Housing Group has launched its £750m framework covering construction, modular, and consultancy services across the North.

The framework, which replaces the former Innovation Chain North West deal, is open to registered housing providers and local authorities across the region.

New-build construction works have been separated into lots by region, with one covering Greater Manchester and Merseyside, and another covering Cheshire, West Derbyshire and Staffordshire; this will include the delivery of social housing as well as supporting infrastructure.

Disciplines to be procured through the framework include architects, principal designers, planning consultants, purchaser’s agents, engineers, site investigation services, and building surveying services.

The £750m Innovation Chain North is expected to run between 2020 and 2024, and suppliers have until 31 January 2020 to apply.

Helen Spencer, director of development at Great Places Housing Group said: “Great Places alone has an ambition to deliver 11,000 new homes by 2028 and we can only achieve this with the support of a range of contractors and consultancy practices. With this in mind, we have designed this framework to enable delivery through traditional contracting, a range of modular supplier routes and with the support of a wide range of consultancy services.

“The framework is in its third renewal and to date has seen delivery of more than 4,000 homes and spend of over £400 million. The new framework has been scoped taking on board feedback from clients and existing suppliers. It will extend its geography to cover the whole of the North and its services to include new lots to support the ambition of our partners in the North.”