Valleys to Coast Housing is carrying out preliminary market engagement ahead of a new multi-supplier Contractors Framework for house building, regeneration, refurbishment, alterations, extensions and associated works. The proposed framework is valued at £295.2 million including VAT.
The lotting model is particularly useful for suppliers because it is based on project unit volumes, creating routes for contractors operating at different scales. This is still market engagement, not a live tender, so the immediate priority is to understand the proposed structure and respond where the authority is seeking feedback. Contact Thornton & Lowe if you want an early assessment of your likely fit.
Four lots based on unit volume
Valleys to Coast proposes four lots:
- Lot 1: 1 to 5 units
- Lot 2: 6 to 15 units
- Lot 3: 16 to 49 units
- Lot 4: 50+ units
Contractors may bid for a maximum of two lots and may be appointed to up to two. Valleys to Coast currently plans to appoint up to four contractors per lot. The notice also makes clear that participation is open to small, medium and large enterprises, which makes the lower-volume lots especially worth reviewing for regional and SME contractors with the right housing experience.
Works and call-off model
The framework is being developed to support new house building and a wider mix of regeneration, refurbishment, alteration and extension projects. Exact project scope, design responsibility, contract form, pricing and programme will be confirmed at call-off stage.
Call-offs are expected to use both competitive mini-tenders and direct single-source awards where permitted. That means suppliers should think beyond getting onto the framework. Delivery performance, local capacity, responsiveness and a commercially sustainable call-off position will matter if an appointment is to turn into actual work.
Our construction framework guidance covers the practical differences between winning a framework place and converting that place into a pipeline of call-off opportunities.
Current timetable
- Estimated value: £246 million excluding VAT / £295.2 million including VAT
- Engagement deadline: 24 August 2026
- Estimated tender notice: 31 August 2026
- Proposed framework term: Three years plus a one-year extension option
- Estimated contract dates: 25 February 2027 to 25 February 2031
- Procedure: Competitive flexible procedure
The Valleys to Coast Contractors Framework notice contains the current proposed structure and engagement instructions.
What contractors should prepare
Potential bidders should start by matching previous housing projects to the unit band they intend to target. Strong evidence is likely to cover programme control, quality, resident and stakeholder communication, supply-chain management, health and safety, defects, social value and the ability to mobilise within the relevant geography.
Local delivery matters in this procurement. Valleys to Coast says the framework will focus on local presence, technical experience and social value. Contractors should therefore quantify local employment, apprenticeships, SME supply-chain use and community benefits where these are genuinely deliverable, rather than relying on generic social value pledges.
Support with your framework bid
Thornton & Lowe can help contractors review the lot strategy, organise case studies and strengthen quality responses when the tender is released. Speak to our construction bid team if you are considering the framework.
