New Build Housing Framework Agreement

The City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) wishes to appoint contractors to a Framework Agreement to deliver elements of the Council’s Housebuilding Programme. The Council and RSL partners have an ambition to construct approximately 25,000 new affordable homes.

There are also opportunities for other organisations to utilise the Framework Agreement. In order to realise these goals, the Council requires an efficient route to market for the design and construction of affordable, new build housing across the city.

Typically, the Council’s delivery model for new build housing is via the following methods; (a) On land currently owned by the Council or acquired for this purpose (b) By purchasing parts of developments being built privately. (c) On Council owned land where, due to complexity, it enters into development partnerships (generally for mixed tenure and mixed-use developments) The New Build Housing Framework Agreement that this Framework Agreement relates to will primarily, but not exclusively, manage projects delivered via option (a) as above.

However, successful organisations should be amenable and able to facilitate the procuring of options (b) and (c) where required. There is a strong desire to innovate in the design and construction of the new homes and to deliver sustainable communities through place-making.

All homes will be constructed, as a minimum, to net zero carbon and the Council is seeking to innovate beyond this standard where real benefit can be provided for tenants. Through the construction of new housing, the Council is seeking to support the Council’s Business Plan and Core Principles as well as promote and encourage the following outcomes; - Compliance with the Council’s Design Guide - Quality Management and Assurance - Accelerating delivery and promoting innovation throughout design and construction - Cost Compliance/Achieving Best Value - Experience of working with different Forms of Contract and Procurement Approaches - Collaboration with different stakeholders and partners - Working with SME’s and Local Supply Chains including compliance with prompt payment terms - Operating in a sustainable manner and achieving sustainable outcomes - The delivery of community benefits aligned to the needs of the local area and Council tenants - Compliance with Fair Working Practices/Initiatives - Impact positively on the Housing Emergency, which was declared in 2023.

The Framework Agreement comprises of 3 Lots - Lot 1.1 sites ranging from 1 home to 30 homes, Lot 1.2 sites ranging from 31 to 100 homes and Lot 1.3 sites with 100+ homes. This Lot shall cover both Build Only (where the contractor fulfils a design provided by the Council) and Design and Build (where the contractor has full design responsibility following the Council’s supplied brief) requirements.

It is anticipated that the majority of projects utilising the Framework Agreement will focus on building affordable homes. However, mixed tenure may also be utilised in certain circumstances as well as other residential schemes, including but not limited to, care homes, nurseries, supported living accommodation and temporary accommodation. Design team novation will need to be accepted and managed appropriately by successful organisations where applicable.