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QEII Memorial Programme - Bridge Contractor

DEPARTMENT FOR DIGITAL, CULTURE, MEDIA & SPORT

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

20 Oct 2026 at 17:35

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) intends to procure a specialist contractor for the complete design, fabrication and installation of a bespoke pedestrian bridge for the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial in central London, Westminster. The integrated works include stainless-steel structure and components, glass balustrades and fixings, paving and finishes, design validation, prototype manufacture and testing, detailed fabrication modelling, assembly, transport, lifting and installation. Associated temporary works, quality assurance and specialist supply-chain coordination are included. The contractor will work with lead designer Foster + Partners and the wider design team to develop and deliver the agreed design. The project is in a sensitive public realm setting, with architectural quality, craftsmanship, construction logistics and coordination with project stakeholders central to delivery. This is bridge construction and installation work (CPV 45221113).

The process is at planning: DCMS is conducting voluntary preliminary market engagement, not inviting tenders. It expects to publish a tender notice in January 2027. The indicative two-stage appointment would begin with a Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) for prototype development, testing and design validation, followed by a separate main fabrication and installation contract. DCMS is considering a competitive flexible procedure with an open initial tender stage; the appointed contractor may later be novated to the Principal/Main Contractor. The estimated contract value is £11.5m–£13m excluding VAT. The current programme anticipates the Stage 1 PCSA award in May 2027 and the Stage 2 contract in February 2028; the Stage 2 duration and completion date are to be determined. The contract period is planned through December 2029, with possible extension to December 2030.

The procurement is suited to experienced bridge contractors able to take responsibility for an integrated specialist package, either directly or through well-managed subcontractors. Relevant capabilities include structural stainless-steel fabrication, complex finishing, glass balustrade manufacture and fixing, paving interfaces, technical and fabrication design, 3D modelling, prototype development and testing, and bridge assembly and installation. Suppliers should be equipped to manage quality assurance, specialist supply chains, manufacturing capacity, long-lead materials, lifting and construction logistics in a sensitive public setting. The planned pre-construction stage calls for collaboration with the lead designer and wider team on design refinement, technical assurance and prototype-related risks, followed by delivery of fabrication and installation. DCMS is seeking input from specialist bridge contractors and associated fabricators on market capacity and delivery strategy; participation in engagement is voluntary and will not be a condition of later tendering.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

QEII Memorial Programme - Bridge Contractor

Notice Description

Contracting authority: Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Procurement title: QEII Memorial - Bridge Contractor Procurement identifier: 105266 Notice type: UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice Estimated contract value (excluding VAT): PS11,500,000 - PS13,000,000 Contract location: London, Inner London West, Westminster and City of London CPV codes: 45221113 - Footbridge construction work 45221115, 45223000, 45223210, 45223100, 45223110, 45341000, 45432112, 71322300, 45340000, 45000000 Expected tender notice publication: January 2027 Market engagement closing date: 31 December 2026 Procurement contact / portal: DCMS procurement portal Description of the requirement The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is undertaking preliminary market engagement in connection with the proposed procurement of a Bridge Contractor to supply works in respect of the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial programme. The proposed appointment will involve the specialist design validation, prototype development, fabrication, construction and installation of a bespoke pedestrian bridge forming part of a nationally significant memorial project in central London. The Bridge Contractor will be required to work closely and collaboratively with Foster + Partners, the appointed lead designer, and the wider design team to support technical design development and validation, prototype testing, fabrication detailing and the successful delivery of the bridge in accordance with the agreed design intent. The proposed scope comprises the complete integrated bridge package, including: structural stainless steel fabrication and associated components; specialist glass balustrades, including their supporting and fixing arrangements; incorporated paving, finishes and associated interfaces; structural and fabrication design validation; prototype manufacture, testing and technical refinement; detailed 3D and fabrication modelling; fabrication, assembly, transportation, lifting and installation; and associated temporary works, quality assurance and specialist supply-chain coordination. The works will be delivered within a sensitive public realm environment and will require particular attention to architectural quality, specialist craftsmanship, technical assurance, construction logistics, programme coordination and stakeholder interfaces. DCMS is seeking feedback from contractors capable of taking responsibility for the complete integrated bridge package, either through their own specialist capabilities or through appropriately managed specialist subcontractors. Indicative timescales The current indicative programme anticipates award of the Stage 1 Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) in May 2027 and the Stage 2 main fabrication and installation contract in February 2028. These dates are estimates and remain subject to procurement outcomes, programme development and DCMS approvals. The anticipated duration and completion date of the Stage 2 works will be determined during Stage 1 or as part of the formation of the Stage 2 contract. Proposed Procurement and Delivery Approach DCMS is considering a two-stage appointment for the specialist Bridge Contractor, with an initial Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) to support prototype development, testing, technical design validation and refinement, followed by a separate commitment to the principal fabrication and installation works. DCMS is considering a competitive flexible procedure under the Procurement Act 2023, with an open initial tender stage to encourage participation from the specialist market. The Bridge Contractor is expected to be appointed initially by DCMS, with the intention of subsequent novation of that contract to the Principal/Main Contractor, subject to agreed contractual arrangements and approvals. The proposed approach remains subject to market engagement, further consideration and DCMS governance approvals.

Planning Information

Purpose of preliminary market engagement DCMS wishes to engage with suitably experienced bridge contractors, specialist stainless steel fabricators and associated supply-chain organisations to test the proposed procurement and delivery strategy. Feedback is particularly sought on: > market capacity, appetite and likely competition; > capability to deliver the complete integrated bridge package; > stainless steel manufacturing capacity, fabrication complexity and specialist finishing requirements; > glass balustrade manufacture, fixing systems and integration; incorporated paving, material interfaces, tolerances and installation requirements; the proposed competitive flexible procedure and optional negotiation arrangements; the proposed two-stage procurement and the appropriate scope and duration of the Stage 1 PCSA; > design maturity and the information required to support competitive tendering; > prototype development, testing and technical design refinement; > design responsibility and the allocation of prototype-related risks; > the basis for developing and validating the Stage 2 price; > fabrication lead times, manufacturing capacity and long-lead materials; > potential early procurement or manufacturing commitments and associated contractual protections; > the proposed NEC4 ECC contractual arrangements; > integration with the Principal Contractor and intended novation; and opportunities to improve technical assurance, affordability, programme certainty and value for money. Proposed engagement process DCMS intends to undertake preliminary market engagement in connection with the proposed procurements for the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial programme. The engagement will comprise a joint supplier market engagement event, followed by an opportunity for interested suppliers to provide structured written feedback through a market engagement questionnaire. Joint Market Engagement Event DCMS intends to hold a joint market engagement event for interested specialist Bridge Contractor and Principal/Main Contractor suppliers on: Date: Monday 9 November 2026 Time: 09:30–12:30 (UK time) Location / format: Westminster, London (venue details to be confirmed to registered attendees) Registration deadline: 4 November 2026 Registration method: procurement portal Attendance: Maximum of two representatives per organisation Attendance will be subject to advance registration and completion of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Following registration, interested organisations will be provided with an NDA for execution by an appropriately authorised representative. Each organisation may nominate up to two attendees. The names and contact details of both representatives must be provided during registration. The event will provide an overview of the programme, proposed procurement and delivery strategies, two-stage contractual arrangements, technical requirements, programme dependencies and the intended interface and novation arrangements between the Bridge Contractor and Principal Contractor. Final event details, including attendance confirmation, access arrangements and joining instructions, will be issued only to organisations that have registered and returned a duly executed NDA. Suppliers will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on the proposed approaches. Interested organisations should register their attendance and identify whether their primary interest relates to the Bridge Contractor procurement, Principal Contractor procurement or both. Find the NDA available in the DCMS procurement portal, please upload a completed copy via the procurement portal messaging system. To access the DCMS procurement portal follow the information below: The information and/or documents for this opportunity are available on the Atamis e-sourcing portal: http://dcms.my.site.com/ You must register on this site to respond. If you are already registered you will not need to register again, simply use your existing username and password. Please note there is a password reminder link on the homepage. If you experience any technical difficulties please contact the Atamis eSourcing Helpdesk at support@atamis.co.uk Follow-up Market Engagement Questionnaire Following the event, DCMS intends to issue a market engagement questionnaire to obtain more detailed and considered feedback from interested suppliers. The questionnaire will contain common questions relating to market appetite, procurement arrangements and programme considerations, together with separate questions addressing the specialist Bridge Contractor and Principal/Main Contractor requirements. The questionnaire will be made available to all interested suppliers, including organisations that have registered but which are unable to attend the event. The proposed deadline for written responses is Wednesday 18 November 2026, subject to confirmation. DCMS may undertake further targeted engagement or seek clarification of responses where appropriate. Participation in either the event or questionnaire is voluntary and will not be a prerequisite for participating in any subsequent procurement. Information obtained through the engagement will be used to inform the proposed procurement strategies and will be managed in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, with appropriate measures to support transparency, fair and equal treatment of suppliers and effective competition. Important information This notice is issued solely for preliminary market engagement and does not constitute an invitation to tender or a commitment by DCMS to undertake the procurement. Participation is voluntary and will not be a condition of participating in any subsequent procurement. Suppliers will not receive unfair advantage as a result of taking part. DCMS may change or refine all aspects of the proposed procurement as set out in this notice, including its scope, procurement procedure, programme, contractual arrangements and requirements following market engagement, further consideration and internal approvals. Relevant information arising from engagement will be managed appropriately to support transparency, fair treatment and effective competition. DCMS will not reimburse suppliers for costs incurred in participating. Any subsequent procurement opportunity will be advertised separately through the appropriate statutory tender notice.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-078c4c
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/099210-2026
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
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

45 - Construction work

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

CPV Codes

45000000 - Construction work

45221113 - Footbridge construction work

45221115 - Construction work for steel bridges

45223000 - Structures construction work

45223100 - Assembly of metal structures

45223110 - Installation of metal structures

45223210 - Structural steelworks

45340000 - Fencing, railing and safety equipment installation work

45341000 - Erection of railings

45432112 - Laying of paving

71322300 - Bridge-design services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£11,500,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 Oct 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
31 Jan 20274 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 May 2027 - 31 Dec 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
DEPARTMENT FOR DIGITAL, CULTURE, MEDIA & SPORT
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1A 2BQ
Postcode Area
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
TLI London, TLI3 Inner London - West, TLI32 Westminster
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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