Starting gun fired on £600m Welsh public sector framework

Up to £600m worth of work is up for grabs in the renewal of a major Welsh public sector framework.Firms have been invited to bid for jobs under the third generation of the North Wales Construction Framework, which will cover projects valued at £250,000 and above across six local authority areas.Eighteen firms – including Kier, Wates, Galliford Try and Willmott Dixon – secured spots on the framework under its previous iteration, which has been extended until next year to allow public bodies to consider the procurement of construction projects post-Covid.The new four-year framework, which is expected to be up and running by June, will include construction, building extension and refurbishment work, as well as architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services.Led by Denbighshire County Council, the framework also extends to public sector projects in Flintshire, Conwy, Wrexham, Gwynedd and Anglesey.Dozens of potential users are listed, including the Welsh Government and non-departmental public bodies, as well as organisations in the local government, health, emergency and voluntary sectors.Work is to be split into five value-based lots: £250,000 to £2m; £2m to £5m; £5m to £10m; £10m to £15m; and more than £15m.A further two lots will cover smaller social housing schemes up to 10 units, as well as larger developments.The deadline for bids is 2 October.Firms should register their interest and find out more here.