Crown Estates to set up framework of consultants

The Crown Estate is drawing up plans for a framework of consultants to work on its jobs in London.

The shake-up is being planned so the landlord, one of the largest property owners in the country, can manage its work in the capital better.

Crown Estate head of development Jim Yates said: "We are in the process of establishing a framework for certain core consultants on large complex projects. This will focus on reviewing existing relationships only and we are not currently intending to invite others to participate, except for certain specialised roles."

Yates said the framework will cover building services and structural engineering firms along with project managers, QSs and CDM co-ordinators. He added: "We have no current plans to extend this to architects, similar designers or agents."

One of its largest schemes is a £500m revamp of Regent Street in the West End, which Sir Robert McAlpine is helping to carry out. Work on the latest part of this scheme, known as the Quadrant, has begun with demolition firm Keltbray carrying out the work.

Stanhope is the development manager for Regent Street and consultants that have worked on the job include engineer Waterman, QS Davis Langdon and project manager Buro Four.

One source said: "Regent Street has worked pretty well so far and they want to get the best people in. Crown Estate has to show value-for-money."

As part of this, Lend Lease development director Alistair Smart will take up the newly created post of head of development for the entire Regent Street portfolio on May 18.

In March, Crown Estate unveiled a 10 year plan to revamp the St James area of London, which includes Piccadilly.