Scope
Description
The project comprises development of a new heat network serving a mix of buildings including new build residential, existing residential, new build commercial and existing commercial.
The project forms an integral part of Birkenhead 2040 Regeneration Framework; one of the biggest brownfield redevelopment sites in the UK. This regeneration of Birkenhead will take place across nine areas providing 21,000 new homes and almost 1,000,000m2 square metres of employment space over the next 20 years.
The area to be served by the network has been identified as a 'priority district heating zone' in Wirral's Local Plan. It will make a significant contribution to reducing the carbon impact of new / existing development in the Borough and provide opportunities to residents and businesses for lower cost heating. The project is well-aligned with regional policy objectives and initiatives. It also fits into the Government's introduction of 'heat network zoning', which, through implementation, will mandate certain types of buildings in identified urban areas such as Birkenhead to connect to district heating within a prescribed timeframe.
It is envisaged that, once heat networking zoning is in place, the Birkenhead Heat Network could benefit from zoning 'incumbency' rules - meaning that nearby eligible buildings will be mandated to connect, further securing demand.
The network is intended to supply heat to:
New Build Residential buildings
Existing Residential buildings
New Build Commercial buildings
Existing Commercial buildings
The project will be delivered through Wirral Council procuring a Development Partner. The Council and Development Partner will enter into a Development Agreement under which the Development Partner will further develop its proposals for the heat network. The Development Agreement will set out a number of gateways which the project must pass through in order to proceed. If the project proceeds beyond the development period, the Council and Development Partner will become shareholders in the ESCo albeit that the Council's shareholding will be limited to a "Golden Share".
The ESCo will be the supplier of heat to a number of public and private sector bodies (including the Council) under separate heat connection and supply agreements.
The Council will not be investing in the project, the Golden Share will simply allow the Council to exercise control in relation to a limited number of reserved matters including carbon intensity, reporting and tariffs.
The ESCo will be required to source all capital funding for the project. The ESCo partner will be appointed in perpetuity.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2069
- 43 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 09323000 - District heating
- 45000000 - Construction work
- 65000000 - Public utilities
- 71314000 - Energy and related services
Contract locations
- UKD74 - Wirral
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
27 June 2025
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
28 July 2025, 11:59pm
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
27 March 2026
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Contracting authority
Wirral Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBCP-8675-BHWT
Town Hall, Brighton Street
Wallasey
CH44 8ED
United Kingdom
Region: UKD74 - Wirral
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Other organisations
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
CARBON TRUST ADVISORY LIMITED
Summary of their role in this procurement: Commercial and Technical Advisors
- Companies House: 06274284
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTNX-7148-XRPT
Level 5, Arbor
London
SE1 9AX
United Kingdom
Email: tenders@carbontrust.com
Website: http://www.carbontrust.com
Region: UKI44 - Lewisham and Southwark
WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON (UK) LLP
Summary of their role in this procurement: Legal Advisors
- Companies House: OC317661
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYBM-6288-WNYY
4 More London Riverside
London
SE1 1AU
United Kingdom
Email: bids@wbd-uk.com
Website: http://www.womblebonddickinson.com
Region: UKI44 - Lewisham and Southwark