Framework will now run until next January

Manchester university has extended a framework for contractors by 18 months due to the covid-19 pandemic.

The construction works framework 2016, which is divided into four lots, covers projects up to £10m meaning it is used on more of the university’s minor projects.

University of Mancester campus aerial view

Source: Shutterstock

The university framework was due to run out last summer

Graham, Kier and Willmott Dixon are the firms on the highest value lot – which covers projects between £4m and £10m.

The university said the extension had been made due to the fact “the outbreak of covid-19 and its impact on the university could not have been foreseen by a diligent contracting authority”.

The university said it did not anticipate that the next 18 months will result in a large increase in spend.

The framework is now due to expire in January 2022 – having previously been set to run out in July last year. It only publicly confirmed the decision in a notice published to the Official Journal yesterday.

The deal is one of several construction frameworks that have been extended due to the pandemic including the NHS' new £20bn construction framework, the Crown Commercial Service's new £1.5bn consultancy deal, and a Southwark council housing framework.

Manchester university 2016 construction works framework

Lot 1 - projects worth £100,000-£200,000: Helena Partnerships, J Greenwood Builders, MBC Building Contractor NW, SPE Contracts and SPIE

Lot 2 - projects worth £200,000-£1m: City Build Manchester, F Parkinson, Kaberry Construction, Manchester & Cheshire Construction Co and Warden Construction

Lot 3 - projects worth £1m-£4m: Herbert T Forrest, John Turner Construction, Keepmoat Regeneration and Seddon Construction 

Lot 4 - projects worth £4m-£10m: Graham Construction, Kier and Willmott Dixon