THE City of Edinburgh Council has named more than 50 firms on a major new consultancy framework.
The announcement follows what the local authority said was one of the most competitive procurement exercises they have held.
The council anticipates the move will unlock up to £95 million in architectural, engineering and project management contracts over the next four years – helping to boost the local economy beyond Covid-19 and support the delivery of new schools, early years centres, sports facilities and affordable homes.
For the first time, the council’s framework includes Passivhaus architects, with the local authority aiming to ensure that new buildings are energy efficient and that the city’s net zero carbon by 2030 target sits at the heart of all capital projects.
Councillor Rob Munn, finance and resources convener, said, “With over 180 bidders vying for a place, this is one of the biggest procurement exercises we’ve ever undertaken as a council. We have an ambitious capital investment programme to make sure we build the schools, homes and community facilities Edinburgh needs for the future, and I’m confident that the successful suppliers we have listed offer the right mix of expertise to help us deliver on our aims.
“At a time when the council faces great financial pressures, the flexibility offered by the new approach is also expected to generate efficiencies of more than £10 million over four years.”
Councillor Joan Griffiths, vice finance and resources convener, added, “The commitment of everyone under this framework to provide the living wage and put energy efficiency and community benefits at the centre of construction projects in Edinburgh is an important step and will help us make sure we work with our consultants to the benefit of local neighbourhoods. Now more than ever we need to put plans in place for a fair economic recovery – both on businesses and their employees, and on the future of our planet – so I’m pleased that we’ve also been able to secure so many quality SME suppliers. This has been a challenging time for the industry but the investment we’ll be making in Edinburgh’s future can support employment too.”
