The Yorkshire & Humber public sector construction hub, YORhub, has just published adverts for the new YORbuild3 Minor Works frameworks on behalf of Scarborough Borough Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Leeds City Council and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. These new Minor Works frameworks will replace the current ones that expire in 2022, and complement the YORbuild3 Medium Works framework due to commence early next year and the YORbuild Major Works framework launched last year. Structuring the frameworks in this way maximises opportunities for SMEs.

The new Minor Works frameworks will have lots for new build and refurbishment works valued up to £1m, between £1 million and £4 million, and for new housing.

Tenders are to be returned in mid-December 2021 and framework award is expected by the 2^nd quarter 2022.

The frameworks will be aligned with the Construction Playbook published by the UK Government in December 2020 to deliver best practice outcomes. They will also align with the Value Toolkit by Construction Innovation Hub which is aimed at improved social value outcomes. YORhub is a member of the Construction Playbook steering group and is currently working with Construction Innovation Hub piloting the Value Toolkit. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), carbon reduction/net zero and an enhanced sustainability offer are featured in the new frameworks as a result of YORhub’s ongoing commitment to these initiatives.

Other key features of the new Minor Works frameworks include direct selection and single or two stage mini competition call off options, and the use of NEC4 as the preferred form of contract, although use of JCT will still be permitted.

The introduction of the new frameworks follows the success of the current YORbuild2 frameworks in delivering public sector projects across the Yorkshire and Humber region and neighbouring areas. Since YORbuild was first launched in 2009, YORhub has delivered over 1500 building projects worth £2.5 billion for more than 90 public sector clients.