Bath Council framework 2024-28

Teams selected for the agreement will have the opportunity to work on a range of projects across the 352km² district and within the historic city which was founded by the Romans as a spa and is now recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site.

A total of six teams will be selected for Bath’s latest Architectural Design Services Framework (ADSF) which is likely to have an annual design fee spend of around £500,000-to-£1.5 million. Schemes awarded through the four-year framework are expected to range in design contract value from £50,000 to £200,000 with construction values of up to £5 million.

According to the brief: ‘The city of Bath is the principal settlement in the district. Bath developed as a spa resort in Georgian times and remains a major cultural tourism centre having gained World Heritage City status.

‘Following the success of the former B&NES Architectural Design Services Framework agreement, Bath and North East Somerset Council wish to establish a succession Architectural Services Framework.

‘The next generation of the Architectural Services Framework is proposed to complement the Council’s existing Design Services Frameworks.’

Formerly the site of a natural hot spring, Bath was transformed into a spa city by the Romans in AD 60. The settlement, next to the River Avon, later became a major recreational and healing centre.

The city’s well-preserved Georgian streetscape and buildings – including the landmark Royal Crescent, Circus, Pump Room and Assembly Rooms – saw the area recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1987.

The search for a design team comes a week after Bath and North East Somerset Council announced a search for an architect to design a new £17.5 million home for its Fashion Museum.

Teams chosen for Bath’s pervious Architectural Design Services Framework – which launched for applications in 2019 and expired in 2023 – included Aaron Evans, Donald Insall and Ferguson Mann.

Running from 2024 to 2028, the latest agreement will cover a range of services including brief writing, masterplanning, feasibility studies, outline proposals, detailed proposals, planning submissions, co-ordination across all RIBA stages and final inspections.

The framework is likely to focus on extensions and refurbishments of schools, libraries, care homes, council offices, sports and leisure facilities, housing and museums.

Bids for inclusion on the framework will be evaluated 70 per cent on quality and 30 per cent on cost. Applicants must hold employer’s liability insurance of £10 million, public liability insurance of £10 million and professional indemnity insurance of £5 million.