Procurement

Lexden Gardens (former Essex County Hospital) Phase 3 Development

Essex County Council

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-050428

Description

Established in 2016, Essex Housing LLP has a wealth of public sector and private sector experience in residential and commercial development. From conception to completion, we have expertise in project managing complex construction projects in a political environment on an end-to-end basis. The team has a live programme of 1,033 homes and community assets across the county, around half of which are for specialist and affordable housing.

Essex County Council is procuring on behalf of Essex Housing LLP, for a Principal Contractor to deliver Phase 3 Construction works at Lexden Gardens Housing Development site, through an Open Tender Sourcing Procedure. The resulting contract will sit between Essex Housing LLP and the successful Bidder.

The proposed works will be the refurbishment, alteration, and extension works to three blocks at the former Essex County Hospital site (Lexden Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3NB), to provide 8nr new homes (6nr flats and 2nr houses), and the construction of 21nr new build townhouses, including associated external works, drainage, and services. Furthermore, external façade works to the nurses block on the site will be included in this construction project.

Phase 1 construction works is already underway with an existing incumbent contractor, so some site sharing is envisaged through the contract period.

The construction period is anticipated to take 21 months (which includes a 3-month mobilisation period). The defects period is an additional term; further details are provided in the tender pack.

The project is currently at RIBA stage 4. Opportunities for site visits will be made available to prospective bidders. Please refer to the tender pack, which contains the employers requirements and all other associated documents, for further information.

More information about the Lexden Gardens project is available at: https://www.essex.gov.uk/news/2024/new-homes-former-hospital-site-colchester

Potter Raper Ltd are Essex Housing's nominated Employer's Agent and Principal Designer. They will contract manage the project with Essex Housing and administer the project and JCT Design and Build Works Contract. This includes checking progress and quality of works on site, certifying Practical Completion as appropriate, validating and certifying payments, and monitoring compliance with employer requirements. The successful bidder will be expected to work alongside Essex Housing, Essex County Council and Potter Raper, in the successful delivery of this project.

Notices

UK4: Tender notice

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-051152
Published: 26 August 2025, 10:22am

UK1: Pipeline notice

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-044074
Published: 30 July 2025, 9:01am

Show all versions

UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-044072
Published: 30 July 2025, 8:59am