UK Science Agency Launches £800 Million Estate Overhaul Tender

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has initiated a significant procurement process, seeking a long-term construction partner for an ambitious £800 million estates programme. This initiative aims to transform and decarbonise its national science and technology research sites over an eight-year period, starting in July 2026.

Key Takeaways

UKRI is seeking a construction partner for an £800 million estates programme.
The contract will run for eight years, from July 2026 to July 2034.
The programme includes backlog maintenance, asset replacement, and new infrastructure construction.
Expressions of interest are due by November 14th, with an award expected in December.

The Scope Of The Project

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), part of UKRI, has published a tender notice for a construction firm to deliver capital works. This partnership will focus on the national estate transformation and decarbonisation programme. The scope encompasses essential backlog maintenance, the replacement of aging assets, and the construction of entirely new infrastructure across STFC’s various research facilities.

Estate Locations And Investment

STFC’s extensive estate includes prominent sites such as the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and Cosener’s House in Oxfordshire, the Daresbury Laboratory in Warrington, the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh, the Boulby Underground Laboratory in Cleveland, and the Chilbolton Observatory in Hampshire. The estimated maximum spend for this contract is £800 million, excluding VAT, potentially reaching £960 million with VAT. UKRI has cautioned that this figure represents an upper limit and is not fully guaranteed. Furthermore, STFC anticipates that backlog maintenance, future expansion needs, and the decarbonisation of its buildings and infrastructure will require an annual investment of approximately £120 million over the next 15 years.

Procurement Process

The construction partner will be appointed through a competitive flexible procedure, adhering to the Procurement Act 2023. The process involves a pre-qualification questionnaire, followed by two stages of dialogue with shortlisted bidders. A final assessment centre will then be used to determine the successful firm. Interested companies have until November 14th to submit their expressions of interest, with the contract award anticipated in December.