Fusion21 is preparing a new Construction & Refurbishment Framework for 2027-31, with an estimated value of £750 million excluding VAT and £900 million including VAT. The framework is intended for refurbishment, construction and new-build works across the UK.
Market engagement is now underway, with two proposed core lots covering housing and non-domestic projects. The current timetable points to a tender notice in November 2026 and a framework start in May 2027.
If the Fusion21 framework fits your construction offer, speak to Thornton & Lowe about early bid preparation, evidence mapping and your response to the eventual tender.
What could the framework cover?
Fusion21’s proposed scope is deliberately broad. It includes refurbishment, regeneration, stock improvement, fit-out, changes of use, modernisation, extensions, conversions, alterations, new builds, extra care schemes, rooftop development, infill development and housing regeneration that creates additional homes.
The classifications also extend across specialist trades, building services, cladding, demolition, real estate development, architecture, engineering and project management. The final scope may change following market engagement.
Two proposed core lots
Fusion21 currently anticipates two principal routes:
- Lot 1: Housing Refurbishment Works and New Build.
- Lot 2: Non-domestic Construction, Refurbishment and New Build.
Designed for national and regional suppliers
Fusion21 says the framework is intended to support both national and regional coverage, with opportunities for SMEs. VCSEs are also identified as particularly suitable at this stage.
The final supplier numbers, value bands and regional structure have not yet been confirmed. These are exactly the areas suppliers should watch when the tender is published, because they will determine whether the opportunity is genuinely proportionate to the organisation’s turnover, experience and geographic delivery model.
CAS, sustainability and social value will matter
The preliminary notice already highlights the Common Assessment Standard and other Conditions of Participation. Successful suppliers will also be expected to demonstrate sustainability and social value outcomes aligned with the public benefit objectives of the Procurement Act 2023.
Contractors should use the pre-tender period to confirm that corporate information, policies and evidence are current rather than leaving qualification material until the final bid window.
What contractors should prepare
Core evidence is likely to include:
- Housing or non-domestic projects comparable to the target lot.
- Refurbishment delivery in live or occupied environments.
- New-build programme, cost and quality performance.
- Common Assessment Standard information and supporting evidence.
- Health and safety, environmental and quality management.
- Supply-chain management and regional capacity.
- Carbon reduction, retrofit and sustainability outcomes where relevant.
- Social value outcomes linked to employment, skills, communities and local supply chains.
Market engagement and key dates
Fusion21 is seeking supplier feedback on the proposed pricing model, framework scope, lotting structure and value bandings. The engagement window closes on 20 October 2026.
The official Find a Tender notice currently gives an estimated tender publication date of 12 November 2026. The new framework is scheduled to go live on 24 May 2027. Suppliers should treat the lot structure and evaluation approach as provisional until the tender is issued.
Assess the commercial fit, not just the headline value
A £750 million framework will naturally attract attention, but suppliers should focus on the part of the market they can credibly serve. When final value bands and regions are published, compare them with your actual track record, operational footprint and appetite for call-off competition.
Our construction frameworks guide provides broader advice on selecting and bidding for public sector framework opportunities.
Use the engagement window to get bid-ready
The strongest preparation now is practical: validate your CAS position, refresh relevant case studies, identify the likely lot and test whether your delivery capacity matches Fusion21’s intended market. That work will make the November tender easier to assess and resource.
Thornton & Lowe supports construction suppliers with framework selection, bid strategy, writing and review. Contact our team if you want help preparing for the Fusion21 Construction & Refurbishment Framework.
