Twenty firms land places on £260m Manchester University framework

Bowmer & Kirkland, GMI and Vinci are among 20 companies to have secured places on a £260m construction works framework with the University of Manchester.

The firms were chosen under a four-year deal to carry out works across the university’s estate, include demolition, new-build, refurbishment and decoration, as well as landscaping and external works.

The procurement, launched by the university a year ago, is split into four value-based lots, ranging from projects worth up to £499,000 to those of up to £20m.

Northern Ireland-based Henry Brothers, one of the firms to win a place, has been working with the university for the past two years.

Henry managing director Ian Taylor said: “Henry Brothers initially began working with the university in early 2022 on the first phase of the refurbishment of its Chemistry Building, and we are currently delivering the second phase of this extensive project.

“Since then, we have also been appointed to undertake two further schemes at the university, so we are very pleased to be cementing our partnership with the University of Manchester by being awarded a place on the university’s construction framework.”

The appointment would support the growth of Henry Brothers’ office in the North West, which recently relocated to larger premises within the city, he added.

Manchester is not the only university with major plans to upgrade its estate. Earlier this week, the University of Greenwich said it was seeking three to five contractors to join a £300m framework.