Innovation Chain North West names firms in new framework

Thursday 26th January 2012

Innovation Chain North West (ICNW), a partnership of four award-winning housing associations with a commitment to sustainable development and communities, is set to announce the list of contractors and consultants selected to undertake up to £500m worth of projects in the next 4 year.

The four key members of ICNW are Great Places Housing Group, Adactus Housing Group Ltd, PlusDane Group and Harvest Housing with around 30 other housing associations in the region also part of the growing network.

Thirty one consultant companies have been chosen through competitive tender to provide architectural, project management, engineering and building surveying services for projects spread over the north of England, from Cumbria to Staffordshire and from Merseyside to Yorkshire.

In total, 12 contractors will work across the area in lots valued up to £3.5m and between £3.5m and £10m, with the majority of the schemes being delivered in the north west.

Jim McMillan, assistant director of development at Great Places, said: "This announcement marks a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the best construction professionals in the region and take forward the aims of ICNW which was set up with a commitment to share learning, generate economies of scale, deliver efficiencies and promote construction innovation. By working in partnership with contractors and consultants, the network aims to deliver quality sustainable homes that are energy efficient and cheaper to run."

A recent ICNW project is Astling Green in Blackpool, a ground-breaking eco development and the first in the region to reach level five in the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Last year, the network contributed to a report researching the practicality of offsite and modern methods of construction in social housing, and published a guidance document for contractors on how to deliver housing that best promotes sustainable development.

Posted by 0 for Great Places Housing Group