Scape Invites Bids for £1.2bn Regional Construction Framework

New procurement programme aims to widen opportunities for regional contractors while supporting public sector building projects across southern and central England.

Public sector procurement specialist Scape has begun the search for contractors to join its next regional construction framework, launching a procurement process for a programme expected to deliver up to £1.2 billion of public sector projects over the next four years.

The framework, scheduled to become operational in summer 2027, will provide local authorities and other public sector organisations with a procurement route for construction projects valued at up to £15 million.

Built Around New Procurement Rules

The framework has been developed to align fully with the Procurement Act 2023, ensuring public sector organisations can access a compliant and streamlined route to appoint contractors while maintaining flexibility throughout project delivery.

Scape says the new model has been shaped following six months of consultation with both clients and the construction industry.

More than 110 organisations contributed to the development process, including national contractors, regional builders, SMEs and supply chain businesses, helping influence the framework's structure before procurement began.

Focus on Regional Delivery

Unlike some national procurement agreements, the framework is intended to strengthen regional construction markets by encouraging wider participation from local contractors.

To support this objective, companies bidding for places will need to demonstrate an annual turnover of £20 million, either independently or through joint ventures and consortium arrangements.

Scape believes this approach will lower barriers for regional firms while encouraging collaboration between businesses of different sizes.

By widening access, the organisation hopes to strengthen local supply chains and maximise the economic benefits generated by public sector investment.

Expanded Regional Structure

The new framework will continue to operate across four geographical lots:

• Midlands East

• Midlands West

• Home Counties East & London

• Home Counties West & London

However, capacity has been expanded, with up to three delivery partners expected to be appointed within each region, giving contracting authorities greater choice when procuring projects.

A notable change is the inclusion of London within both Home Counties lots, a move Scape says will provide clients with greater flexibility and improve access to delivery capacity across one of the UK's busiest construction markets.

Supporting Future Public Investment

The framework is expected to support a wide range of public sector developments, including education, healthcare, local authority, community and civic infrastructure projects.

By combining a regional delivery model with procurement processes aligned to the latest legislation, Scape aims to provide public sector organisations with a procurement solution capable of delivering projects efficiently while creating greater opportunities for contractors operating within local markets.

The publication of the tender notice marks the first stage of the procurement process, ahead of the framework's planned launch in 2027.