The Measured Term Contract 2026 is an early-stage works framework opportunity being developed by the City of London Corporation. At this stage, the notice is a preliminary market engagement notice, not a live tender. That matters, because suppliers still have time to understand the likely scope, review fit and prepare for a procurement that is not expected to reach tender notice stage until 30 September 2027.
The proposed framework is intended to support cyclical replacement, refurbishment and improvement works across the City of London Corporation’s diverse estate, including operational, institutional, heritage, commercial and residential buildings. Projects are generally expected to be valued at up to £3 million excluding VAT per instruction, which gives a good indication of the likely project size and contractor profile the authority will be looking for.
What the framework is expected to cover
The notice makes clear that the framework will be multi-lot, although the final lot structure is still being developed. The expected scope includes:
- mechanical and electrical installations, replacement and refurbishment works
- general building fabric repairs, cyclical maintenance and refurbishment
- internal refurbishment and office fit-out works
- energy efficiency, carbon reduction and decarbonisation measures
- lift and escalator refurbishment, replacement and enhancement works, subject to the final lot structure
That breadth means the opportunity could be relevant to a wide range of contractors, including general building contractors, M&E specialists, refurbishment providers and businesses with strong experience in estate improvement and retrofit works. The estate itself is also varied, which suggests that buyers will be looking for contractors that can work across different building types and operational environments.
Key dates
- Notice published: 5 March 2026
- Engagement deadline: 1 April 2026
- Estimated tender notice publication date: 30 September 2027
- Estimated framework term: 1 April 2028 to 31 March 2031
- Possible extension: to 31 March 2037
The proposed term gives the framework a potential overall duration of nine years, which is significant. For contractors that secure a place, that could create a long-term route to repeat opportunities across the City of London estate.
Why this opportunity is worth watching
Even though this is not yet a live tender, it is still worth paying attention to now. Early market engagement notices give suppliers the chance to understand what a contracting authority is planning, assess whether the framework suits their business, and identify any gaps in capability, evidence or accreditations well before the formal process begins.
In this case, the framework is also likely to appeal to contractors with experience in live environments, refurbishment, decarbonisation and estate management. The notice says delivery is expected to be underpinned by responsible procurement principles, including environmental sustainability, carbon reduction and ethical supply chain management. That gives a useful indication of the themes that are likely to matter later in the tender process.
The authority also states that the framework is anticipated to operate mainly through mini-competitions between appointed contractors, with direct award available where justified. That means suppliers will need to think beyond framework entry itself. Winning a place is important, but so is being well positioned for future call-off opportunities once the framework is live.
What contractors should be doing now
- Review fit carefully: assess whether your current experience aligns with the likely scope, project values and building types.
- Strengthen evidence: gather case studies covering refurbishment, building fabric, M&E, decarbonisation or specialist estate works.
- Prepare for future competition: think about how you would position your business not just for framework appointment, but for mini-competitions afterwards.
The notice says a questionnaire is available via the portal as part of the engagement process. For relevant contractors, this is a useful opportunity to engage early and start planning well ahead of the formal procurement.
How Thornton & Lowe can help
Thornton & Lowe supports contractors bidding for construction tenders and winning places on construction frameworks. For an opportunity like this, that can include reviewing fit, strengthening evidence, planning framework strategy and improving written responses before the tender stage begins.
For contractors that want to use early market engagement periods well, the value is in preparing ahead of time rather than reacting late. A framework like this is likely to reward suppliers that can show credible delivery across refurbishment, maintenance and improvement works, backed by strong operational evidence and a clear understanding of public sector expectations.
