Scape Group has published details of its new National Construction framework for major public sector construction projects of more than £2 million.

The new framework is anticipated to hold an upper value of £5.5 billion and will offer five options to the public sector, including a regional option for Scottish projects with a total framework value of £500m.

The National Construction Framework will replace the existing Scape Major Works Framework from May 2017. It will introduce multiple contractors for the first time, with bidders able to win up to two of the three regional lots or one of the two UK-wide lots, enabling access to multiple providers on the framework. The new structure follows an extensive programme of engagement with the market and the public sector.

The five lots within the National Construction Framework will run for a period of four years and will include:

The new Scottish option within the framework will be compliant with Scottish law and, along with the new Welsh framework, will support the devolution agenda and continue Scape’s commitment to the local economy in both countries.

Scape’s Prior Information Notice (PIN) will be published online on Monday 4th April but will be available on the Scape Group website from today. A programme of market awareness events will follow between April and June 2016, with an OJEU Notice for the new framework scheduled to be issued in June 2016. Successful bidders will be announced in January 2017, with the framework becoming operational by May 2017.

Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, said: “After an extensive programme of engagement with the market and public sector, we are delighted to announce our largest framework to date. The Scape Major Works framework has been incredibly successful, delivering iconic projects, rapid delivery, local jobs and local spend in communities across the country while saving millions for the public sector; The National Construction framework seeks to continue this strategy. By opening up this framework to more providers and an extended local supply chain that are of the highest calibre, we can deliver a great deal more to our clients in the public sector.

“The new National Construction Framework is more flexible, offering a choice of providers, and better responds to the unique needs of our colleagues in Scotland and Wales. It also brings extra capacity at a time when the public sector is facing unprecedented financial challenges, with an ever greater need to do more with public sector buildings and increasing demand for high quality and cost-effective construction. We have listened to the market and the public sector – this new structure delivers more for both.”

Prospective bidders can register their interest in attending Scape’s market awareness events for the National Construction Framework here.