Islington relets £320m housing project as framework scheme

Islington Council in London is running the rule over 39 contractors hoping to get a slice of £320m-worth of housing upgrade work.
The local authority originally advertised the project as a partnering deal last year, but the scope of the work has increased with the news that Islington has succeeded in its bid to get ALMO (arms length management organisation) status.
This means internal as well as external upgrading work can go ahead on 26,500 properties.
The deal will now be let as a framework arrangement and under EU rules will initially run for four years.
The scheme will then be rebid and run for a further four years.
It is understood both national and regional contractors have prequalified for the project and the council will take at least 10 contractors on board to carry out the work, which is due to start on site in April 2004.