GB-Braintree: I-Construct

The Council's role in I-Construct is the delivery of the design and development of a BREEAM Excellent c. 600m2 Innovation Centre on the Council owned Braintree Enterprise Centre site which itself will be rebranded. This Innovation Centre will be an exemplar building designed to showcase to thousands of construction supply chain businesses in the region innovation in:

• design using BIM, digital, virtual reality and other technology
• of off-site construction and modular build
• on site robotic technology
• on site renewable and low carbon energy technology

The Council will act as a delivery partner of the project with specific responsibility for managing the development of the Innovation Centre building and acting as landlord to the project, once the building is completed. The Council will also own and operate the Innovation Centre once the project is completed. The Innovation Centre will act as the new main entrance for the rebranded site and the existing Braintree Enterprise Centre is to be reconfigured to increase office space. The overall aim of the project is to:

• To demonstrate construction innovation throughout the design and build process so that the building is an exemplar showcase for the construction supply chain
• The provision of new high quality business conference facility and office built to a high sustainability standard with an exhibition area showcasing 3 D printing, robotics and other technologies
• To build a well-designed, innovative, business conference facility and office the method of construction of which can be replicated for the construction of new homes throughout the region, particularly the garden communities
• The new Conference facility and Offices will be designed and constructed to meet the requirements of at least BREEAM Excellent (including space requirements), through a combination of energy conservation measures, low carbon technologies, and exploring renewable technologies considering the site particulars.

Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.