--- title: "PURCON 2227 - Sainsbury Centre Refurbishment" ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-06dcec" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06dcec" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06dcec.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06dcec.json" source: "Find A Tender Service" current_stage: "Planning" buyer: "UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA" published: "2026-08-05" --- # PURCON 2227 - Sainsbury Centre Refurbishment Buyer: UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA Current stage: Planning OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-06dcec [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06dcec) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06dcec.json) ## Summary 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. ## Notice 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. ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Find A Tender Service | | Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074402-2026 | | 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 | | All stages | Planning | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 5 Aug 2026 | | Submission deadline | Not specified | | Future notice date | 7 Aug 2026 | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 3 May 2027 - 31 May 2029 | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | £76,000,000 | | 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 | UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA | | Locality | NORWICH | | Post town | Norwich | | Postcode | NR4 7TJ | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLH East (England) | | ITL 2 | TLH5 Norfolk | | ITL 3 | TLH51 Norwich and East Norfolk | | Local authority | Norwich | | Electoral ward | University | | Westminster constituency | Norwich South | | Delivery location | TLH15 Norwich and East Norfolk | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 45 - Construction work ### Codes - 45212313 - Museum construction work ## Release History - 5 Aug 2026 at 16:06 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074402-2026 ## Documents - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074402-2026 5th August 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ## Notice URLs - http://uea.ac.uk - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents ## 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-06dcec. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06dcec.json.