Gallions £112m housing framework attracts bids

At least seven outfits are vying to jump on the bandwagon for a £112m housing framework deal in east London.Among the outfits that up to price the scheme are Breyer, Durkan, Kier, Laing, Mulalley, Rydon and Higgins. A project source said: "There may be a few other contractors in the mix, but I don't think there will be that many more." The project will cover new build and refurb tasks, with the Thames Gateway area being the main focus of the work. The frameworkproject has been divided into two price categories -- individual schemes up to £3m and projects of more than £3m.

According to Gallions: "The Each lots are is to be assessed individ- ually to allow for the selection of the best candidates in each one,lot and encourage a diverse range of applications from small to medium and large businesses." As yet, there is no indication as toeither how many houses will be involved in the project or when a start on site will be made.

• *Wates has won a contract with Gallions to refurbish 96 homes in the Tavy Bridge area of Thames-meaaed, east London.

The scheme is the precursor to a £120m five-phase regeneration project in the area to include 827 new homes, shops, a community centre and a library.

[Contract Journal, 13 September 2006, p18]