London launches four-year framework for housing and regeneration design services

A refreshed four-year Architecture and Urbanisation (A+U) Framework has launched in London. It is meant to help boroughs, housing associations and other public sector bodies buy professional services for housing, regeneration, infrastructure and public realm projects.

Architectural practices, urban design studios and specialist consultants can bid for commissions. These cover housing developments, transport infrastructure, civic buildings, workplace schemes, regeneration initiatives and public spaces. The framework also aims to widen opportunities for smaller firms and under-represented groups in the built environment sector.

Under the earlier version, between March 2023 and March 2026, the framework facilitated the procurement of more than £15 million worth of services. Archio won commissions worth £1.1 million across small-site development projects.

The new version follows engagement with stakeholders across the sector. It brings a simpler procurement process, faster commissioning times, updated sustainability requirements and extra guidance for smaller organisations seeking public sector work. It also adds new assessment criteria and support measures to widen participation.

The framework supports the Mayor's Good Growth by Design programme. The London Plan puts the number of new homes needed between 2027 and 2036 at 558,000, and the London Social and Affordable Homes Programme 2026-36 will provide £11.7 billion for affordable housing across the capital.

The launch comes as housebuilding faces delays linked to building safety approvals, rising construction costs, skills shortages, inflationary pressures and higher borrowing costs.

"We are particularly proud to be creating more opportunities for small, emerging and diverse-led practices," said Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Regeneration.