The London Borough of Southwark is planning a ten-year framework agreement for Heating and Water Repairs, Maintenance, Refurbishment, and Replacement Works, with an estimated value of £307,200,000 including VAT. This is one of the most significant building services frameworks to be announced by a London borough in recent years, and for heating, plumbing, and water hygiene contractors, it represents a long-term pipeline of work with a major public sector client.
If you're considering bidding, Thornton & Lowe can quickly assess your fit and help you plan your approach. Contact us here for a confidential readiness review. You may also find our overview of expert tips for framework agreement success useful as you begin planning.
Five Lots, Specialist Routes to Market
The framework is divided into five lots, reflecting the distinct disciplines required across Southwark's housing and property portfolio:
- Lot 1: Individual Heating
- Lot 2: Communal Heating
- Lot 3: Water Hygiene
- Lot 4: Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS)
- Lot 5: Temporary Boilers
This lot structure is genuinely accessible to a range of business types. Specialist contractors with a strong track record in one or two disciplines can target the lots that suit them best, while multi-disciplinary firms may look to cover several. There are clear entry points for SMEs alongside larger organisations. The key is targeting lots where your evidence is strongest.
What Makes This Framework Significant
The ten-year term sets this apart from most public sector building services contracts. For contractors, that longevity offers pipeline security, a genuine opportunity to invest in the relationship with the authority, and the chance to deliver measurable improvements across Southwark's housing stock over time. For the Council, it signals a desire for strategic, long-term partners rather than transactional contractors.
Southwark manages one of the largest social housing portfolios in London, including a significant proportion of high-rise and mixed-tenure estates. Contractors should expect a demanding operating environment that rewards reliability, compliance, and an ability to work around residents effectively.
Bidding Considerations
- Lot selection: Target the lots where your technical capability and delivery track record are clearest. A well-evidenced, targeted submission outperforms a broad one that spreads evidence too thin.
- Resident engagement: In social housing contexts, the way your operatives interact with residents is often evaluated alongside technical competence. Build this into your bid narrative.
- Ten-year resilience: Demonstrate how your business is structured to sustain performance over a decade, including investment in staff, fleet, compliance systems, and technological development.
- BEMS capability: Lot 4 is increasingly competitive as councils prioritise decarbonisation. If you have BEMS experience, this deserves prominence in your submission.
Quick facts
- Authority: London Borough of Southwark
- Estimated value: £307,200,000 including VAT
- Framework term: 10 years
- Scope: Heating, water hygiene, BEMS, and temporary boilers
- Notice: View on Find a Tender
Key dates
- Estimated tender publication: 1 June 2026
With a tender likely to land imminently, preparation time is short. Contractors who have already reviewed the notice, identified their target lots, and started assembling their evidence pack will be significantly better placed than those who wait for the ITT. Speak to Thornton & Lowe today for expert bid support.
