Three firms share £2bn modular housing framework

Three modular housing firms have shared a £2bn framework to build volumetric homes across England and Wales.

The Central Housing Investment Consortium (CHIC), which is made
up of 92 housing associations, local authorities, and ALMOs is procuring three
contracts for the manufacture, supply and erection of homes. Two lots include
all associated construction works in a “turnkey” approach, while with the
third, the site works will be an option.

Winner of the first lot was Impact Modular based in
Peterborough. Hull-based Module-AR took the second of the two turnkey lots, and
the third lot was taken by Elements Europe.

CHIC has developed compliant solutions for the development
of new homes branded as ‘Buildsmart’. CHIC members can access frameworks and
contracts for the provision of consultants and contractors to develop new
housing projects using traditional construction, timber frame construction or modular
housing. The procurement is designed to strengthen the Buildsmart options for
members by providing a new contract for the provision of modular homes.

The first lot is worth £303m, the second £572m and the third
£1.17bn. Each is for a duration of five years but has the option to be extended
by two subsequent periods of five years, giving an overall contract term of 15
years.