Cumberland Council has issued a tender notice for its Capital Works (Construction) Framework, covering the period from September 2025 to September 2029.
With an anticipated maximum total value of £175M excluding VAT (£210M with VAT), the framework is designed to streamline and effectively manage a diverse range of construction and civil engineering projects across the council’s extensive portfolio, according to New Civil Engineer.
The framework is structured into three distinct lots, each targeting specific construction and civil engineering disciplines, with individual project budgets of up to £6M. Notably, the Council reserves the right to advertise projects exceeding this value should it deem appropriate, highlighting flexibility in addressing larger or more complex undertakings.
Lot 1 focuses on general building works with project values ranging from £200,000 to £3M. Contractors appointed to this lot will be expected to deliver a broad spectrum of tasks, including planned maintenance – such as repairs and replacements of roofs, windows and mechanical and electrical systems – to ensure buildings remain safe and watertight.
Additionally, contractors on Lot 1 will undertake upgrading and refurbishment of the council’s corporate and school properties alongside new builds and extensions. The latter will require a variety of building methodologies, including modular construction and offsite fabrication.
Lot 2 pertains to civil engineering works, also capped at £3M per project. This lot demands expertise in maintaining and repairing highway structures such as retaining walls and bridges – often involving materials like stone, reinforced concrete or structural steelwork.
Moreover, contractors will focus on improving the public realm with enhancements to town centre environments, including highway surfacing, footpaths, drainage, signage, and transport interchanges. Highway improvements targeting safety and access, footpath and cycleway enhancements and flood prevention schemes also form key components of this lot.
The third lot combines the scopes of Lots 1 and 2, with project value ranges between £2.5M and £6M, but this lot can include projects exceeding £6M when justified by complexity, risk or other factors. Contractors engaged in this lot will need to demonstrate capability across the full breadth of general building and civil engineering activities.
Cumberland Council plans to appoint up to eight contractors per lot, who will act as principal contractors for individual projects. The tender emphasises the necessity for appointed contractors to possess appropriate skills and resources to manage the diverse and complex nature of the projects outlined.
The framework’s anticipated launch is slated for 30 September 2025, running for four years until 29 September 2029, unless terminated as per contract conditions.
The deadline for enquiries is 12pm on 23 June and the deadline for submission of tenders is 12pm on 7 July. The award announcement is expected in early September.
(Pic: Cumberland Council)
