Parliamentary Construction Works Framework

The Palace of Westminster (PoW) is an internationally important heritage asset acknowledged in its Grade I listing designation, and inclusion in a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Westminster Abbey and St Margaret's Church. The Parliamentary Estate has a unique built asset portfolio and has a total gross internal floor areas exceeding 250,000m2. Approximately 70% of the buildings on the estate are 'Listed' under Heritage status, with two buildings, Norman Shaw North, and the Palace of Westminster, that are of exceptional interest, and are Grade 1 'Listed'.

Parliament is exercising it's duty of care to prevent future deterioration of the mechanical, electrical, public health, fire and life safety systems, building fabric, roofing, stonework, and other associated works and projects, as custodians of this Grade I Listed asset and to maintain a safe and secure environment in and around the Palace of Westminster.

The Framework will predominantly facilitate the procurement and works requirements of the Strategic Estates project delivery team. The Strategic Estates team is bicameral, serving both Houses, and manages the Parliamentary Estate. Their work encompasses a broad set of responsibilities, including the delivery of construction projects, construction safety, the provision of specialist planning and design support, and the care and development of our internationally significant heritage collections, among others.

The purpose of this Prior Information Notice is to provide information for the procurement and implementation of a Parliamentary Construction Works (PCW) Framework, that shall serve as an enhancement of, and successor to the existing MEPFS (Mechanical, Electrical, Public health, and Fabric Safety) Framework, that expires at its earliest date of 31st March-2025.

The procurement of contractors to undertake construction works is a key enabler to the successful delivery of the Medium-Term Investment Plan (MTIP), by Strategic Estates who are responsible for delivering these projects across the Parliamentary Estate. As the requirement for these services and works continues to increase across the Parliamentary Estate, the procurement of this new Framework, and its services and works, is required to maintain the capability and capacity to construct and deliver projects that are part of the portfolio of capital investment and capital maintenance projects that constitute the MTIP, into the late 2020's.

This Framework, as a successor to the MEPFS Framework, builds upon the original content of that Framework, and incorporates lessons learnt through its use over the last few years, and the feedback and thoughts from internal and external stakeholders to ensure this Framework is fit for purpose going forward.

This new Framework shall ensure that the Client has access to a proportionate and resilient number of capable Contractors across a number of Lots that differentiate specialisms and disciplines, and that can undertake a wide range of construction works and services that are required to meet the needs of on-going MTIP and estate Masterplan, that Strategic Estates are working towards and delivering.

Strategic Estates & Restoration and Renewal Delivery Authority

It is important to distinguish at this stage, the co-ordinated, but separate project delivery of the Restoration & Renewal programme. A separate Delivery Authority has been established to deliver the works required across the Parliamentary estate to ensure the safety of those who work and visit here, and to support the continued business of Parliament. This includes planning for the large and complex restoration of the Palace of Westminster to preserve it for future generations.

"Last year Members of both Houses agreed a more integrated approach to future restoration, prioritising safety critical work. The Restoration and Renewal Programme Board will be shortlisting options for how to take forward the restoration works and Members in both Houses are expected to vote on a strategic case later this year."

On background:

Further information about the role of the R&R Client Board, and R&R Programme Board, is available on the parliamentary website: About the R&R Client Board - Committees - UK Parliament

Tens of thousands of hours of Palace building investigations are being carried out by the Delivery Authority to build on existing records and better understand the Palace's condition. Over the summer and early autumn, specialists spent 4850 hours examining 160 rooms and drilling boreholes up to 70 metres deep to assess ground conditions around the Palace of Westminster.

In the meantime, there are dozens of major projects underway now to repair and restore key buildings by in-house teams including Strategic Estates, Digital, and Maintenance. Projects include Victoria Tower and Norman Shaw North.

At any one time there are dozens more projects underway to improve and repair key services and keep the estate running for the 3000+ people on site each day. Additional information: The authority is looking to engage contractors with the capability and capacity to lead, co-ordinate and manage the delivery of works projects. Core works will be delivered inhouse with specialist works delivered in conjunction with their established supply chains, as part of a framework to undertake works to the Parliamentary Estate:

• Lot 1 - High Value Construction Works of Mixed Discipline, circa £30m, up to circa £150m.
• Lot 2 - Medium Value Construction Works, consisting predominantly of Mechanical & Electrical (PHF) Discipline, over circa £2.5m, but under circa £30m
• Lot 3 - Medium Value Construction Works, consisting predominantly of Architectural, Heritage, Roofing, and Conservational Discipline, over circa £2.5m, but under circa £30m
• Lot 4 - Low / Minor Value Construction Works of Mixed Discipline, up to circa £2.5m

The threshold and values above are not fixed at this stage, and may be adjusted following receipt of responses to this PIN, as par…