The University of East Anglia (UEA) has finalised a strategic framework to enhance infrastructure development on its campus.
- Seven firms, including RG Carter, have been selected for a £96.3m construction and refurbishment framework.
- The framework’s scope includes work on the UEA campus and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
- The framework is structured into three lots, each focusing on different project scales and specialisations.
- This initiative ensures a robust selection of contractors for various construction needs over the next three to five years.
The University of East Anglia has taken a significant step in bolstering its infrastructure by establishing a construction and refurbishment framework valued at £96.3 million. This strategic move involves seven firms, including the renowned CN100 contractor RG Carter, known for its substantial projects in the educational sector.
This framework is designed to span three years with a potential extension of two additional years, allowing for sustained development and maintenance of the UEA’s facilities. The primary focus will be on projects located on the UEA campus and at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. By setting up this framework, the university aims to streamline contractor selection for its construction needs, ensuring both efficiency and quality in project delivery.
The framework is divided into three distinct lots, each catering to specific types of projects. Lot one, designated for works valued between £1 million and £5 million, features East Anglian firms such as MJS Projects (March) and Cocksedge Building Contractors alongside RG Carter. Lot two, aimed at smaller tasks under £1 million, includes MJS Projects, NCL Contractors, and Pentaco Construction. Finally, the third lot focuses on mechanical and electrical jobs with budgets less than £900,000, engaging two additional Norwich-based firms, Empower Services and Eastern Power Systems.
RG Carter’s inclusion is notable, given its ranking of 64th in the CN100 2023 list of the UK’s largest contractors. The firm has a track record with university projects, having previously secured a position on the University of Cambridge’s £680 million estate framework. Despite a 23% decrease in turnover to £248.5 million, the firm reported a remarkable 80% increase in profit, reaching £12.8 million in 2023.
The UEA’s new framework allows the institution to either directly call on these contractors or run mini-competitions for specific projects as they arise. This flexibility is intended to foster competitive pricing and innovation among the selected firms, ensuring that the university can address its dynamic infrastructure requirements effectively.
This strategic framework by the University of East Anglia is a forward-thinking approach to managing its construction and refurbishment needs efficiently.
