Competition: Forestry Commission, Scotland

The team chosen for the single-party framework will work on a variety of refurbishment, improvements, and new-build projects for the non-ministerial government department which manages more than a million hectares of public forest across the UK.

The framework will initially last for two years and is expected to cover between 20 and 30 projects every year – each valued below £500,000 – with an estimated total annual spend of £100,000. The agreement may be extended for up to two further years.

According to the brief, the framework involves the ‘provision of a professional service to survey, undertake feasibility studies, design, specify required works to the forestry commission built estate. This will cover planned maintenance and project works to the various buildings across the estate.

‘Works will include refurbishment, improvements along with some new-build to the various offices, operational forest support buildings and public visitor centres and facilities. The provision of a professional service to organise and supervise reactive works and carry out health and safety inspections is also a requirement of this framework.’

The Forestry Commission was created in 1919 to expand Britain’s woodlands following their depletion after the First World War. The organisation today employs 3,400 people and has an annual budget of £50 million.

Around 70 per cent of the total Forestry Commission estate is in Scotland with large areas earmarked for timber harvesting and sustainable forest management. The organisation is also a major provider of recreational and tourism facilities, operating many walking, cycling and horse riding routes and several visitor centres across the country.

Recent larger-scale Forestry Commission projects completed include the new £3.4 million Kirroughtree Visitor Centre in Galloway Forest Park by JM Architects (pictured); and a district office in Smithton, Inverness by HRI Architects.

The latest framework will involve a range of projects intended to ‘rationalise, maintain and improve’ the commissions extensive land holdings in Scotland. Schemes may focus on any structure owned by the commission, including offices, farms, workshops, stores, visitor centres and historic buildings.

The deadline for applications is midday, 31 May.

How to apply

View the contract notice for more information

Contact details

Forestry Commission
Silvan House
231 Corstorphine Road
Edinburgh
EH12 7AT

Tel: +44 3000675000
Email: procurement.scotland@forestry.gsi.gov.uk