Planning

UKRI-5027 1894 Main Works

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

29 Jul 2025 at 07:24

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), representing a central government public authority, is planning a procurement process titled "UKRI-5027 1894 Main Works". This initiative falls within the refurbishment industry category, targeting the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. The procurement is currently in the planning stage, with supplier engagement sessions scheduled for August 20th and 21st, 2025, at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh. Attendees must confirm their participation by noon on August 15th. The project is part of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Pilot Programme, aiming for a comprehensive refurbishment of the historic 1894 Building, with a projected cost of £12,000,000 excluding VAT. The procurement process is expected to begin in January 2026, with works scheduled from April 2026 to March 2028.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in refurbishment works, particularly those geared towards sustainability and historic conservation. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to participate, especially those with expertise in executing projects that enhance energy performance while preserving architectural heritage. Companies offering comprehensive internal remodelling and fit-out services, as well as those skilled in building conservation and thermal upgrades, will find this tender particularly beneficial for growth. The involvement in a project with sustainability goals aligned with the Net Zero Carbon targets could elevate a company's portfolio and position them as leaders in sustainable building practices.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

UKRI-5027 1894 Main Works

Notice Description

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) have a requirement for the refurbishment of the 1894 Building at the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) in Edinburgh and will be undertaking a preliminary market engagement exercise in advance. We are seeking to procure a main contractor to deliver the full refurbishment works. This follows an earlier phase of early contractor engagement during RIBA Stage 3, where a consultant contractor was appointed to advise buildability and logistics. This project forms part of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (UKNZCBS) Pilot Programme and aims to deliver a comprehensive refurbishment of the Category A-listed 1894 Building. The works will target Net Zero Carbon (NZC) in operation while preserving the building's historic character and enhancing its functionality for future scientific and operational use. The Scope of Works Includes: * External Repairs and Envelope Upgrades * Conservation and repair of the external fabric * Thermal performance improvements to meet NZC targets * Internal Remodelling and Fit-Out * Reconfiguration of internal layouts * Installation of several new lifts * Creation of new meeting rooms and spaces within the West Tower * Rooftop Extension * Small-scale rooftop extension to house a lift and stairwell * Sustainability Integration * Delivery in line with UKNZCBS energy and embodied carbon targets * Coordination with the design team and sustainability consultant

Planning Information

UKRI-STFC with be holding two Supplier Engagement Sessions at UK ATC site on the following dates: Wednesday 20th August and Thursday 21st August. The sessions will last no more than 2.5 hours and a maximum of two attendees from each supplier organisation to register for the sessions. Wednesday's session will start at 1pm (Arrival time to be 12:30pm) and Thursday's session wil start at 10am (Arrival time to be 9:30am). Suppliers will have the opportunity to confirm which Engagement Session they will be able to attend (the same information shall be presented on each day). To book onto the Supplier Engagement Session, please submit the names, email addresses, contact phone numbers, vehicle registrations and the session you would like to book onto to the following email address: STFCprocurement@ukri.org, with the subject in the email being UKRI-5027 1894 Main works- EOI. Please confirm your attendance no later than 12pm (noon) on Friday 15th August. You should bring photo ID with you to ATC otherwise you may not be allowed on site. The full address is; The Royal Observatory Edinburgh, Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, EH9 3HJ.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-056795
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/043670-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Works
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

45 - Construction work

CPV Codes

45453100 - Refurbishment work

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£12,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 Jul 20256 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
9 Jan 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
stfcprocurement@ukri.org
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
SWINDON, WILTSHIRE
Postcode
SN2 1FL
Post Town
Swindon
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK71 Swindon
Delivery Location
TLM Scotland
Local Authority
Swindon
Electoral Ward
Rodbourne Cheney
Westminster Constituency
Swindon North

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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