QEII Memorial Programme – Bridge Contractor

Contracting authority: Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)

Procurement title: QEII Memorial – Bridge Contractor

Procurement identifier: 105266

Notice type: UK2 – Preliminary Market Engagement Notice

Estimated contract value (excluding VAT): £11,500,000 - £13,000,000

Contract location: London, Inner London West, Westminster and City of London

CPV codes: 45221113 – Footbridge construction work

45221115, 45223000, 45223210, 45223100, 45223110, 45341000, 45432112, 71322300, 45340000, 45000000

Expected tender notice publication: January 2027

Market engagement closing date: 31 December 2026

Procurement contact / portal: DCMS procurement portal

Description of the requirement

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is undertaking preliminary market engagement in connection with the proposed procurement of a Bridge Contractor to supply works in respect of the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial programme.

The proposed appointment will involve the specialist design validation, prototype development, fabrication, construction and installation of a bespoke pedestrian bridge forming part of a nationally significant memorial project in central London.

The Bridge Contractor will be required to work closely and collaboratively with Foster + Partners, the appointed lead designer, and the wider design team to support technical design development and validation, prototype testing, fabrication detailing and the successful delivery of the bridge in accordance with the agreed design intent.

The proposed scope comprises the complete integrated bridge package, including:

structural stainless steel fabrication and associated components;

specialist glass balustrades, including their supporting and fixing arrangements;

incorporated paving, finishes and associated interfaces;

structural and fabrication design validation;

prototype manufacture, testing and technical refinement;

detailed 3D and fabrication modelling;

fabrication, assembly, transportation, lifting and installation; and

associated temporary works, quality assurance and specialist supply-chain coordination.

The works will be delivered within a sensitive public realm environment and will require particular attention to architectural quality, specialist craftsmanship, technical assurance, construction logistics, programme coordination and stakeholder interfaces.

DCMS is seeking feedback from contractors capable of taking responsibility for the complete integrated bridge package, either through their own specialist capabilities or through appropriately managed specialist subcontractors.

Indicative timescales

The current indicative programme anticipates award of the Stage 1 Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) in May 2027 and the Stage 2 main fabrication and installation contract in February 2028.

These dates are estimates and remain subject to procurement outcomes, programme development and DCMS approvals. The anticipated duration and completion date of the Stage 2 works will be determined during Stage 1 or as part of the formation of the Stage 2 contract.

Proposed Procurement and Delivery Approach

DCMS is considering a two-stage appointment for the specialist Bridge Contractor, with an initial Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) to support prototype development, testing, technical design validation and refinement, followed by a separate commitment to the principal fabrication and installation works.

DCMS is considering a competitive flexible procedure under the Procurement Act 2023, with an open initial tender stage to encourage participation from the specialist market.

The Bridge Contractor is expected to be appointed initially by DCMS, with the intention of subsequent novation of that contract to the Principal/Main Contractor, subject to agreed contractual arrangements and approvals.

The proposed approach remains subject to market engagement, further consideration and DCMS governance approvals.