Morgan Sindall Construction’s Eastern Counties business has been selected for Suffolk County Council (SCC) and Concertus Design and Property Consultant’s £500m construction framework.  

The tier one contractor was awarded a position on two of the framework’s three lots, which was the maximum that contractors could bid for.

Morgan Sindall’s social value centred strategy was a central aspect of its appointment, which follows a string of successful developments delivered by the contractor under the framework’s previous iteration.  

This new four-year framework, which will run from 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2027, will ensure that SCC and other public partners will have an effective and efficient route to delivering projects in the East of England region.  

The projects that will be procured under the framework will include traditional construction and refurbishment works as well as specialist demolition and condition improvement work, including the fabric and infrastructure of buildings. 

Alister Broadberry, Morgan Sindall Construction's Eastern Counties area director, said: “As an Ipswich based business, our team members live and work in the county’s communities every day.

"This means we have an in-depth understanding of what's important to local people and we’re personally invested in making our places as inspiring and rewarding as possible.  

“This is illustrated by the quality and care we put into our work under the SCC’s previous construction framework, which has created amazing places for the county’s young people and future generations to learn, as well as a variety of facilities that will supercharge vital facilities for public services and local businesses." 

He added that with Morgan Sindall's successful reappointment to the framework, the firm was looking forward to continuing its close working relationship with Suffolk County Council.

"The collaborative and innovative nature of this partnership encapsulates our intelligent solutions approach to construction and means that these projects are designed, made and operated in way that will have a valuable lasting legacy for the county,” he said. 

The lots that Morgan Sindall has been appointed to are the two largest in terms of value and include Lot 2, which covers projects ranging from £750k - £4.5m and Lot 3, which covers projects from £4m+.  

As Morgan Sindall top scored in the Lot 3 category, the council can directly award larger value projects when required.  

During SCC’s previous construction frameworks, Morgan Sindall completed 12 projects alongside the council.

Over the life of the partnership, this work included educational, waste management, industrial and blue light sector projects, such as Bridge School and Chantry Academy in Ipswich, West Suffolk Operational Hub, Phoenix Enterprise Park, and Stowmarket Fire & Police Station.  

This construction activity had a combined value of £68m and saw an additional 1,010 pupil places created across the county.  

Nearly £50m was generated in social value under the previous framework for Suffolk’s communities, which equates to 85% of project value being reinvested locally.

Specific social benefits achieved include 1,460 hours volunteered towards community projects, 2,231 students engaged in a large-scale learning programme, and £34,000 raised for Suffolk charities.

Social value generation will continue to be a core commitment for Morgan Sindall moving forward. 

Sustainability has also been a central focus for the projects completed under the previous framework.

A total of 98% of all waste created by this work was diverted from landfill and state-of-the-art sustainable construction materials and methods were used to significantly minimise emissions during the build and operation of these new buildings.  

Matthew Self, Managing Director at Concertus, said: “We are thrilled that the new iteration of the Suffolk County Council Construction framework is now live.

"It is great to see the enthusiasm of all contractors and suppliers in supporting the Councils ambition to achieve their net zero and social value targets.

"These commitments will make a real positive difference to Suffolk communities over the next four years. We are excited to see so many local firms appointed and look forward to continuing our positive working relationships.”