Newcastle City Council has launched preliminary market engagement ahead of a proposed £220m framework aimed at delivering more than 700 social rented homes across the city over eight years.
The framework would cover developments on small sites and infill plots, including schemes comprising four to 10 homes and larger projects delivering between 11 and 20 properties.
The proposed arrangement would also encompass modern methods of construction (MMC), including modular and panelised housing, alongside enabling works, site preparation and infrastructure. Design support and architectural services could also be included.
The framework is estimated to be worth £264m including VAT and is expected to run from 1 April 2027 to 1 April 2035, subject to approval.
The council is seeking feedback from main contractors, small and medium-sized builders, MMC manufacturers, civil engineering contractors, consultants and design teams to help shape the procurement.
The engagement is intended to assess market capacity, identify potential delivery models and understand barriers to participation, while informing the final structure of the framework.
Interested businesses were invited to register through the OPEN procurement portal and download a preliminary market engagement information pack. A drop-in event took place at Newcastle Civic Centre on 20 October.
The procurement is being conducted under the Procurement Act 2023.
The proposed framework follows Newcastle’s success in securing £141.4m in government funding through Homes England’s Social and Affordable Homes Programme 2026-36. Announced in August, the funding is intended to support the delivery of 966 new council homes across the city over the next decade.
Newcastle was one of three local authorities selected for Strategic Partnership status under the programme, alongside Cambridge City Council and Eastleigh Borough Council.
