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PURCON 2227 - Sainsbury Centre Refurbishment

UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

05 Aug 2026 at 16:06

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of East Anglia, located in Norwich, is currently in the planning stage of a tender process for the refurbishment of the Sainsbury Centre. This project aims to address several building-condition issues, improve energy efficiency, and enhance visitor comfort and experience. The procurement, identified as PURCON 2227, falls under the "works" category in the museum construction industry. With an estimated contract value of £91.2 million gross, the procurement process is set within the UK, specifically in the UKH15 region. A market engagement notice was published on 5th August 2026, with future notices expected after 7th August 2026. The project is anticipated to start on 4th May 2027 and conclude by 31st May 2029.

This refurbishment tender presents significant opportunities for businesses within the construction and engineering sectors, especially those specialising in building restoration, energy efficiency improvements, and modern refurbishment techniques. Companies experienced in handling large-scale projects and familiar with the demands of historic and culturally significant buildings will find this tender particularly suited to their capabilities. Furthermore, businesses that can offer innovative solutions to improve long-term maintenance and sustainability are likely to benefit from participating in this contract process, making it a viable prospect for companies aiming to strengthen their portfolio in specialised construction and refurbishment projects.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

PURCON 2227 - Sainsbury Centre Refurbishment

Notice Description

The University of East Anglia (UEA) is an internationally renowned university based in a campus that provides top quality academic, social and cultural facilities to over 17,000 students and 2,500 staff. The University of East Anglia (UEA) has been ranked in the top 20 in the UK for its research quality, in the Complete University Guide's UK top 30 and has achieved the green flag award for 9 years running. The Sainsbury Centre, positioned on the western side of the University of East Anglia Campus is a world-class museum designed by Norman Foster (now Foster + Partners) and opened in 1978. The building integrates a number of related activities within a single, light-filled space. Structural and service elements are contained within the double-layer walls and roof. Within this shell is a sequence of spaces that incorporates galleries, a reception area, research and education spaces, offices, library, cafe, shop and restaurant. Over the years, the building has undergone a number of improvements, refurbishments and extensions, including the addition of the Crescent Wing in 1991 and the Link Project in 2006, which connected the Crescent Wing to the main building and the main building to the Lasdun Wall. These interventions have enabled the building to respond to changing operational and visitor requirements while maintaining its distinctive architectural character. In 2012, the Sainsbury Centre was awarded Grade II* listed status in recognition of its exceptional architectural and historic significance. Its designation rests on several grounds: architectural innovation, as a defining late-twentieth century work by one of Britain's foremost modern architects, showcasing his signature engineering-led, prefabricated approach; celebrated design, reflecting its international standing as one of the best-known modern museum and education buildings; and historic association, as a purpose-built home for the globally significant Sainsbury Collection. This project involves seeking a principal contractor to co-ordinate the replacement of the external envelope and extensive works to the building's MEP systems to ensure the following key objectives are met: - Address multiple building-condition issues - Improve energy efficiency. - Improve visitor comfort and experience. - Minimise long term maintenance liabilities.

Planning Information

A selection of contractors visited the Sainsbury Centre between 31st March and 15th April 2026 to view the building and provide advice on the scope of the project.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06dcec
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074402-2026
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
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

45 - Construction work

CPV Codes

45212313 - Museum construction work

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£76,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Aug 2026Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
7 Aug 20261 day to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
3 May 2027 - 31 May 2029 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
UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
NORWICH
Postcode
NR4 7TJ
Post Town
Norwich
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH5 Norfolk
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH51 Norwich and East Norfolk
Delivery Location
TLH15 Norwich and East Norfolk
Local Authority
Norwich
Electoral Ward
University
Westminster Constituency
Norwich South

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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