Be First, Barking and Dagenham’s urban regeneration company, is now advertising for contractors to join a brand new development framework, estimated to be worth £1bn over the next four years.
The company, whose mission is to accelerate growth in the east London borough, has more than 44 projects in the pipeline and will use its framework to speed up the procurement process, to raise quality standards and reduce costs.
Iain Ferguson, Commercial Director of Be First, explained: “We’re in a hurry to build new homes for Barking and Dagenham residents. And, we’re determined to build top quality communities and generate social benefits at the same time. We want to work with contractors who share our aims and are prepared to work constructively with us throughout this huge project.”
Be First, who hit the headlines recently by announcing its mini-Manhattan project for Barking town centre at MIPIM, has been commissioned by the council to build out a range of projects, ranging from small infill blocks to major schemes, including the next phase of the Gascoigne estate renewal — estimated at £100m — and the redevelopment of Crown House — estimated to be worth over £50m. Together with the company’s own programme of development, the combined value is in the region of £1bn.
The framework will be arranged in two lots. The first for smaller schemes with a value up to £20m and the second for those of £10m upwards. Applications are open until 9 July and appointments to the framework are expected to be made by the end of October 2018. Though it is primarily for residential development, call offs will also be made to deliver supporting infrastructure such as schools, libraries or community centres. It will also be open for use by other boroughs in London and the South East.
