Wednesday: 05/03/2025 / Awards

Contract Awards: 05/03/2025

Discover the latest social housing contract awards, featuring key investments in repairs, energy efficiency, residential construction, and infrastructure upgrades.

A significant contract has been awarded by Denbighshire County Council, focusing on Void Property Maintenance and General Building Works. This £16m, 24-month Framework agreement is structured into multiple lots, covering different geographic areas and secured by 18 contractors the project scopes within Denbighshire’s 3,380 housing units. Works include window and door replacements, kitchen and bathroom fittings, flooring repairs, carpentry, masonry, plastering, plumbing, electrical works, and heating system upgrades. The framework is designed to provide a cost-effective and efficient solution for managing void properties, ensuring they are quickly refurbished and reoccupied. 

In Doncaster, the City of Doncaster Council has allocated £4m over 12 months to Sustainable Building Services for PAS 2035 Retrofit Energy Efficiency works. This contract aims to improve insulation and external wall efficiency for properties in and around Doncaster. The project has been procured via the EN:Procure framework. Ensuring housing quality through essential maintenance, GreenSquareAccord has awarded a £479k, 12-month contract to D&R Contract Services for Decorating Works at St Gregory’s in Redditch. The project will focus on interior and exterior refurbishments to enhance the long-term durability of the housing stock.

In the Highlands, Highland Residential (Inverness) Ltd has taken a significant step towards improving outdoor spaces by awarding a two geographical lots 36-month contract, valued at a total £1.96m, to Higher Ground Community Services and Highland Groundcare. These contracts cover grounds maintenance and assisted garden upkeep across 178 factored sites and 123 assisted gardens in the region. The initiative includes grass cutting, shrub and hedge maintenance, litter removal, and landscaping improvements to enhance tenant satisfaction and promote pride in local communities. The contract also mandates Key Performance Indicators and community benefits, ensuring high service quality throughout its term. Further reinforcing compliance and safety measures, Muir Group, in partnership with Places for People Group across England & Scotland has awarded a £500k, 60-month contract to EnviroVent for damp, mould, and condensation surveys and remediation works. This contract involves property inspections, remedial actions, and tenant support to tackle persistent moisture-related issues in social housing.

Environmental improvements continue to be a priority for Perth & Kinross Council, which has awarded a £4.37m, 24-month contract to Hugh LS McConnell for upgrades to retaining walls, drainage, stairs, and fencing. The project will focus on both public and private communal spaces, ensuring safer and more sustainable housing environments. In a push towards energy efficiency and insulation, Broxtowe Borough Council has invested £523k over 12 months in a Roof Replacement and Insulation Scheme, with ACS Roofing Services selected as the contractor. The project will focus on 39 residential properties, incorporating roof insulation, gable cladding, and rainwater goods installation to improve thermal efficiency and reduce energy costs for residents.

Wednesday: 05/03/2025 / Tenders

Contract Tenders: 05/03/2025

Discover the latest social housing tenders open for bidding, covering maintenance, refurbishment, and improvement projects.

A substantial opportunity has emerged as the East Renfrewshire Council seeks a contractor for Reactive Glazing Repairs across its housing portfolio. This £200k contract, spanning 24 months, requires a reliable service provider to carry out timely and efficient glazing maintenance, addressing issues such as broken windows, damaged glass panels, and emergency replacements. The successful contractor will need to demonstrate expertise in rapid response repairs, ensuring minimal disruption to residents while maintaining safety and insulation standards in social housing properties. In Central Bedfordshire, a contract for Small-Scale Gardening works is now open for bidding, focusing on enhancing and maintaining green spaces in social housing areas. Issued by Central Bedfordshire Council, this 12-month contract seeks a skilled landscaping provider to undertake regular maintenance, planting, pruning, and general upkeep of communal gardens and outdoor spaces. This initiative aligns with the council’s commitment to improving the living environment for residents by fostering well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing outdoor areas.

Bron Afon Community Housing has launched several key contracts aimed at improving and maintaining its housing stock, in Pontypool, Torfaen, an extensive Re-Roofing and Refurbishment project for Trevethin Blocks has been launched. With an impressive budget of £768k over 5 months, this large-scale project involves replacing outdated roofing structures, upgrading insulation, and enhancing external facades to improve energy efficiency and longevity. The successful contractor will need to execute the works with minimal disruption to tenants while ensuring compliance with the latest housing regulations and sustainability requirements. Meanwhile, structural refurbishments are a priority in Cwmbran, a contract for Refurbishment of Balconies and Staircases at Northville has been issued. With a budget of £248k allocated over 3 months, this project includes structural steelwork repairs and replacements for balconies and staircases, alongside sanding down and redecorating surfaces. The contract further involves inspecting and replacing landing decks, re-surfacing, renewing fascia, soffits, and rainwater goods where necessary, as well as repairing and redecorating handrails and balustrades. These works are crucial in maintaining the safety and aesthetic integrity of the housing complex, ensuring compliance with the latest housing safety standards. Another major roofing project has been put forward in Grove Park, Cwmbran, where they are seeking for the installation of a new pitched roof as part of a broader structural improvement initiative. This £96k contract, expected to last 2 months, aims to enhance the waterproofing and insulation of the building, ensuring greater energy efficiency and durability. The work will involve removing existing roofing materials, installing modern, high-performance roofing systems, and conducting all necessary finishing to align with contemporary housing standards. 

A major supply contract has been issued by Midlothian Council, inviting bids for the Supply of Kitchen Units across its housing stock. Valued at £1.5m over 36 months, this contract seeks a reliable supplier to provide high-quality kitchen units for planned refurbishment projects. The successful bidder must demonstrate strong production capabilities, supply chain efficiency, and adherence to quality standards. Additionally, a Preliminary Market Engagement Notice has been issued by GreenSquareAccord for a Contact Centre Solution Software. The organization is seeking demonstrations from up to five providers interested in developing an integrated contact center system. Covering multiple regions, including the East Midlands, South East, South West, and West Midlands, this engagement offers an early-stage opportunity for technology providers to showcase innovative customer service solutions.

Wednesday: 05/03/2025 / News

Daily News: 05/03/2025

The UK government will invest £1.5bn over 10 years to improve 75 neighbourhoods, funding high streets, parks, and local services. Each area gets up to £20m, with projects starting in 2026. GOV.UK

Telford & Wrekin Council leader Lee Carter has ruled out a merger with Shropshire Council. In addition, Yorkshire Housing has launched “YH Homes 2.0,” a £7.8m investment in energy efficiency and safety. Furthermore, Newham Council is reviewing its £38m social housing improvement plan, which includes fire safety and Decent Homes upgrades. BBC, Yorkshire Housing Limited, and Newham London Borough

G15 chair Fiona Fletcher-Smith warns that the 1.5m homes target is at risk unless the government takes urgent action to restore financial certainty in the social housing sector. At the same time, the Northern Ireland Executive has pledged to deliver at least 5,850 new social homes by 2027, a commitment welcomed by NIFHA and CIH. Housing Today (register), Housing Today (register)

Over half of senior housing leaders say data issues hinder effective tenant complaint management, affecting response times and service quality. HQN

Burntwood-based Keon Homes has secured a place on the £1bn Wolverhampton Housing Development Framework, positioning itself for significant housing projects in the region. TheBusinessDesk.com

Construction has begun on a mine water heat project in Seaham, using a mine water treatment scheme to provide low-carbon heating for affordable homes. Elsewhere, First Choice Homes Oldham is set to invest £31.4m over the next five years to improve energy efficiency in its homes, with the next phase of work starting this spring. GOV.UK, Housing Digital

Galliford Try has upgraded its profit forecast after a strong first half, with pre-tax profits rising 54% to £20m. Meanwhile, VINCI has rebranded its UK testing and consultancy division as Initivo Consultancy. Ibstock exits the GRC cladding market after a £3m trading loss, ceasing production. Additionally, a judge has ruled that failed Hadden Construction must pay its former staff 90 days’ wages for breaching employment laws. Construction Enquirer, Construction Wave, Construction Enquirer, and Construction News (register)

The Environment Agency, Scottish Water, and TfL pledge to cut emissions by signing the Construction Leadership Council’s five client carbon commitments. The Construction Index

Deliveries of bricks rose by 8.5% in January 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, according to the latest construction materials report. GOV.UK

Wolverhampton’s 1,000-home regeneration scheme, including 70,000 sqft of retail, leisure, and commercial space, has been approved. In Scotland, 550 homes are planned for a 66-acre former industrial site in Armadale. Legal agreements are advancing for 1,100 homes in a Norfolk village. In Manchester, Oval Real Estate has doubled its high-rise flats to 800 across three towers. Bloor Homes eyes a £100m Stockport scheme with 675 homes proposed near Wilmslow-Handforth bypass, while a 250-home Charfield expansion is set for approval despite opposition. Construction Enquirer, Scottish Housing News, BBC, Construction Enquirer, Place North West, and Gazette

Tuesday: 04/03/2025 / News

Daily News: 04/03/2025

CHP and Estuary Housing Association have entered discussions over a potential merger, aiming to combine their operations by the end of 2025. Together, they currently own and manage over 16,000 homes, with the merger expected to enhance services and strengthen their housing provision. Chelmer Housing Partnership (CHP)

Bromford Flagship has secured £100m in funding following its merger, finalising a Revolving Credit Facility with the Royal Bank of Canada. Meanwhile, South Ayrshire Council plans a £193m housing investment over five years, focusing on improving existing stock, new builds, and boosting affordable housing supply. Similarly, Chesterfield Borough Council has committed over £30m to enhancing council housing in the next financial year. Bromford Flagship, South Ayrshire Council, and Chesterfield News

Brighton & Hove City Council brings 99 empty homes back into use through its Empty Properties team, returning private sector homes to occupancy over the past year. Brighton & Hove City Council

Fusion21 has appointed suppliers to its £700m Workplace and Facilities Management Framework following a competitive tender process. The four-year national framework will support workplace and facilities management services. At the same time, Landsec plans to invest an additional £2bn in housing development as part of its strategy to reduce exposure to the office market over the next five years. Fusion21 Ltd, Housing Today (register)

Drees & Sommer UK has acquired Scotland-based RSP Consulting Engineers, expanding its consultancy services. Likewise, Swiss firm Sika AG has purchased UK roofing supplier Cromar Building Products. In contrast, Bam Construction faces a £6m loss after M&E specialist Michael Lonsdale collapsed, leaving it owed £5.8m. Construction Enquirer, The Construction Index, and Construction News (register)

UK construction activity January 2025: Housing – The sector saw a 12% decrease in project starts year-on-year, a 22% drop in main contract awards compared to last year, and a 22% decline in detailed planning approvals versus 2023. Construction News (register)

Sadiq Khan has unveiled a 10-year London Growth Plan, aiming to unlock 60,000 homes through three major rail projects. In Gloucestershire, a planning application for 2,750 energy-efficient homes has been submitted to Stroud District Council. Stockton councillors will review plans for 394 homes near Harrowgate Lane. In North London, Regal has submitted revised plans to revive a stalled high-rise, increasing homes from 184 to 237, with 35% designated as affordable housing. While South Shields has seen plans submitted for 124 Extra Care apartments. Housing Today (register), TheBusinessDesk.com, Teesside Live, Construction Enquirer, and South Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council

Tuesday: 04/03/2025 / Awards

Contract Awards: 04/03/2025

Discover the latest social housing contract awards, featuring key investments in heating upgrades, fire safety compliance, refurbishment, and mechanical and electrical upgrades.

Enhancing the quality, safety, and energy efficiency of its housing stock, Progress Housing Group has announced multiple contract awards. A £2m contract has been secured by Anglian Building Products for the Supply and Installation of Windows and Doors across its properties in England and Scotland, aiming to improve insulation, reduce energy costs, and enhance home resilience over the next 34 months. Additionally, M&D Bibby Double Glazing will lead a £100k window replacement project at Sumner House in Leyland, a one-month initiative focused on upgrading outdated installations for better insulation and durability. In a parallel effort to strengthen safety standards, Corgi Technical Services has been awarded a £225k contract for an Electrical and Gas Audit spanning 36 months across England, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and improving tenant protection. 

Boosting energy efficiency, Hillcrest Homes has awarded a £136k contract to Express Heating for the Replacement of Communal Heating Systems at Thomson Court in Edinburgh. This one-month project will modernize the boiler system and associated plant, improving energy efficiency and ensuring reliable heating for residents. Modernizing electrical & mechanical systems, GreenSquareAccord has appointed Edwards Technical to undertake an Electrical & Mechanical Installation project at St Gregory’s House in Redditch. Valued at £171k and set for 12 months, this contract is split into two lots, Lot 1 is for Electrical & PV Works covering supply and installation of electrical systems, MVHR, fire alarms, cabling, EV charging infrastructure, and external lighting across three blocks, with full testing and commissioning while Lot 2 is for Mechanical Works covering supply and installation of rainwater goods and a full heating system, ensuring compliance with all specifications and regulations.

Expanding temporary accommodation, Greenwich London Borough has awarded a £4.2m contract for Boroughwide Temporary Accommodation refurbishment, redecoration and associated works in Greenwich. ATPB, Max Building Services, and Moatbrook will collaborate over 27 months to deliver high-quality refurbishments, ensuring housing properties are brought up to standard for the purpose of temporary accommodation. Enhancing fire safety compliance, Peabody Trust has secured Ogien Testing for a £3m contract to deliver fire testing services across East Midlands, East of England, London, and the South East. Running for 36 months, this contract ensures BS8414 or EN13501-1 compliance for external building facades, reinforcing fire safety measures with rigorous testing, accredited facilities, and comprehensive reporting.