New LHC £1.2bn Framework Opens for MMC of Public Sector Homes

SPECIALIST CONTRACTORS can now apply to join a new £1.2bn framework to deliver offsite-constructed homes that will provide thousands of homes across the UK.

The new NH3 Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) of New Homes framework from public sector construction framework provider LHC will operate across England, Scotland and Wales, delivered through LHC London and South East (LSE),  Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA), South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA), Consortium Procurement Construction (CPC) and Welsh Procurement Alliance (WPA).

The framework, which replaces NH2, will address new public sector housing challenges including high demand, increasing sustainable methods of construction and providing housing that is environmentally fit for the future.

NH3 Framework

The NH3 framework covers low-rise, medium- and high-rise dwellings through to specialist accommodation such as care homes. It will support public sector procurers to increase the use of modern methods of construction in their contracts and help to deliver low and net zero carbon homes with high levels of pre-manufactured value.

It will help procurement teams to access a wider range of MMC solutions and suppliers, encouraging greater collaboration between suppliers and clients.

Dean Fazackerley, LHC’s Head of Technical Procurement, said, “The NH3 framework will build on the success of NH2, which has so far enabled £93.5m-worth of projects with a total forecast value of £277m. It has contributed to the number of low-carbon, modern apartments and homes for housing associations and local authorities across the country, using modern methods of construction and offsite techniques to produce cheaper-to-heat homes for the communities they serve.”

NH2 Developments

Developments so far procured or delivered through NH2 include 400 units, currently being built across a four-year period by modular offsite construction specialists Rollalong, for Magna Housing Association and Wiltshire Council in the South West. In the London Borough of Bromley, the framework has also been used to deliver 25 affordable apartments by Module-AR featuring PV panels and herb gardens.

Finally, NH2 delivered the award-winning Hope Rise scheme in Bristol, where 11 affordable, low-carbon apartments from Zed PODS have been installed.

Four Distinct Workstreams

Dean Fazackerley added, “NH3 will initially cover a range of MMC categories and features four distinct workstreams. We hope it will encourage both manufacturers and those that can deliver main contractor services for MMC to apply. We also hope SMEs will apply and take advantage of the opportunities available to them through this new framework.”

The four workstreams covered by the NH3 framework are:

• Workstream 1 – Three-dimensional (3d) modular systems – category 1
• Workstream 2 – Two-dimensional (2d) panelised systems – category 2
• Workstream 3 – Main contractors delivering MMC solutions
• Workstream 4 – Groundworks and site preparation for MMC housing projects

The deadline for applications to join the framework is 14 October 2022 and to apply, companies should visit the LHC tender portal here.

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