Cambridge City Council has issued a pre-market notice for a major new Retrofit Framework, with an estimated value of £168,000,000 including VAT and a nine-year term. The framework will support the delivery of energy efficiency upgrades to privately owned homes in Cambridge and potentially Peterborough, funded by central government retrofit grant schemes. Up to six suppliers will be appointed to deliver this work, making it a genuinely accessible opportunity for retrofit and building services contractors with relevant domestic experience.
If you're considering bidding, Thornton & Lowe can review the opportunity and quickly assess whether it's a good fit. Contact us today for a rapid eligibility review. Our broader decarbonisation tenders guide is also relevant for suppliers building retrofit evidence.
Who This Framework Is For
It's worth being precise about the audience here. This framework is primarily relevant to retrofit contractors and building services businesses that deliver domestic energy efficiency improvements in occupied private sector homes. This includes heating upgrades, insulation installation, renewable energy systems, and associated building works. The grant-funded context means experience with schemes such as the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) or the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) will be highly relevant, as will familiarity with PAS 2035 whole-house retrofit standards.
It is not, in the first instance, a framework for commercial building services or large-scale M&E contractors, though those with domestic divisions or SME retrofit operations should pay close attention.
Framework Detail
The framework is a relet, meaning there is an existing arrangement in place that this will succeed. The relet context is a useful signal: the authority has established relationships in this space and will be looking for providers who understand the complexity of delivering retrofit in occupied homes, navigating grant funding requirements, and maintaining quality standards under PAS 2035 or equivalent frameworks.
- Maximum suppliers: Six
- Geographic scope: Cambridge and potentially Peterborough, allowing suppliers to develop strong regional expertise and relationships.
- Funding source: Central government retrofit grant schemes; understanding funding timelines and compliance requirements will be important in the bid.
Quick facts
- Authority: Cambridge City Council (and potentially Peterborough City Council)
- Total value: £168,000,000 including VAT
- Duration: Up to 9 years
- Maximum suppliers: 6
- Estimated tender publication: 1 September 2026
- Notice: View on Find a Tender
Preparing a Competitive Bid
- Start building your evidence pack now: This framework will attract interest from across the retrofit sector. Documented case studies of domestic retrofit delivery, particularly under grant-funded schemes, will be essential.
- Demonstrate PAS 2035 competence: The whole-house retrofit standard is the benchmark for quality in this sector. If you are already certified, make this prominent in your submission.
- Show collaboration and local anchoring: With up to six suppliers on the framework, the authority may value evidence of local supply chain engagement and community relationships in both Cambridge and Peterborough.
- Plan for the long term: Nine years is a significant commitment. Evidence how your business is structured to sustain performance, manage grant funding fluctuations, and respond to evolving government retrofit priorities over the framework term.
For full details, monitor the official notice on Find a Tender. When the tender is published, Thornton & Lowe's team can help you build a strong, compliant submission. Enquire now for a bid readiness review.
