---
title: "UKRI-5027 1894 Main Works"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-056795"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-056795"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-056795.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-056795.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)"
published: "2025-07-29"
---

# UKRI-5027 1894 Main Works

Buyer: UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-056795

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## Summary

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.

## Notice

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.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/043670-2025 |
| 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 |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 29 Jul 2025 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | 9 Jan 2026 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2028 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £12,000,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Planning |
| Lots status | Planning |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI) |
| Locality | SWINDON, WILTSHIRE |
| Post town | Swindon |
| Postcode | SN2 1FL |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLK South West (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire |
| ITL 3 | TLK71 Swindon |
| Local authority | Swindon |
| Electoral ward | Rodbourne Cheney |
| Westminster constituency | Swindon North |
| Delivery location | TLM Scotland |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 45 - Construction work

### Codes

- 45453100 - Refurbishment work

## Release History

- 29 Jul 2025 at 07:24 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/043670-2025

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/043670-2025
  29th July 2025 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents
- https://www.ukri.org/

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-056795. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-056795.json.