Scope
Description
Summary of main requirements:
The project will repaint Blackfriars Bridge (Spans 1, 3 and 4), including the gilding of embellishments where appropriate. This will significantly improve the aesthetics of the structure and protect its fabric.
The project will also repair the parapets to prevent future water ingress and protect the structure. Spans 2 and 5 have been completed under a separate contract. Gateway 5 for the project was approved May 2021.
Previous works contract was tendered for Phase 1 which has now ended with the 40% of the total work completed. The full scope of the project was not completed due to access restrictions i.e. due to Tideway Tunnel project in the Thames adjacent to the Blackfriars Bridge.
Commercial tool
Establishes a dynamic market
Total value (estimated)
- £8,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 28 July 2025 to 28 July 2027
- Possible extension to 31 July 2028
- 3 years, 4 days
Main procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 45221119 - Bridge renewal construction work
Contract locations
- UKI - London
Engagement
Engagement deadline
6 May 2025
Engagement process description
About the Project
The Blackfriars Bridge Refurbishment Project - Phase 2, will fully refurbish three spans (spans 1, 3 and 4) of London's iconic Blackfriars Bridge.
The works to the three spans will include, as a non-exhaustive list:
i) Repair and renovation of the cast iron parapets.
ii) Creating a suitable temporary access system to the underside of the deck that satisfies requirements of all stakeholders.
iii) Preparation and maintenance painting of the bridge.
Pedestrian and vehicular traffic on the bridge is not to have any significant interruptions during the works.
Blackfriars Bridge was built in 1869 and carries the A201 over the River Thames. The bridge structure is owned by the City Bridge Foundation.
Spans 2 and 5 of the bridge were recently refurbished, with the works completed in 2023. However, spans 1, 3 and 4 of the bridge were last painted in 2000 and are showing rust staining in parts particularly in the outer facias/spandrels. Previous inspections of the bridge have also found the parapets to generally be in poor condition, with a number of the balusters cracked or damaged. Although the parapet does not comply with current standards a recent load test and risk assessment has justified its refurbishment rather than replacement.
About the Bridge
The original five span arch structure is formed from wrought iron spandrels and deck with a decorative cast iron outer spandrel which incorporates a decorative parapet. The structure is supported on masonry piers and abutments with a total span of 285m. The original structure, which was completed in 1869, was 22.86m wide between parapets. The structure, including piers, abutments and foundations, was widened in 1909 by 9.14m with the addition of new steel arches. At the north end of the bridge a new curved approach connecting the Victoria Embankment to the bridge was constructed that cantilevered from the north abutment.
The parapet consists of two continuous hollow cast iron box rails that are supported on balusters. The balusters are set on a plinth that is covered with wrought iron plates. Tie rods connect the rails to the concrete plinth through the hollow balusters. The parapet is approximately 1m high. The parapets are discontinuous across the piers.
The bridge is a key transport link within the City of London, one of the busiest crossings over the River Thames. Transport for London is the Highway Authority for the bridge.
Span 5 is not navigable by large vessels. Span 1 is over the Blackfriars underpass and part of the Tideway site establishment. Currently Span 2 is closed for the Tideway project works, although this is due to re-open in summer 2025. It is expected that this project will commence once the river restrictions from the Tideway project have been removed.
Interested suppliers will be asked to complete a short questionnaire
If you wish to participate in this exercise please send to the person nameed in this notice.
hirdial.rai@cityoflondon.gov.uk
and request a Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) questionnauire.
I expect you to complete and submit your (PME) questuionnaires by the 'Engagement deadline'.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
12 May 2025
Contracting authority
The Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the City of London
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYQD-1693-MYXR
PO Box 270
City of London
EC2P 2EJ
United Kingdom
Contact name: Hirdial Rai
Telephone: 020 7606 3030
Email: hirdial.rai@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Website: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk
Region: UKI43 - Haringey and Islington
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government