This story was written with AI assistance from Harmsworth
Who is Harmsworth?
Westminster City Council has awarded Willmott Dixon Construction a £7.2m contract to finish 21 social homes at Torridon House, following the collapse of the original builder.
The council appointed Willmott Dixon through the Southern Construction Framework (SCF) to replace Geoffrey Osborne Limited, which went into administration on 25 April 2024.
Osborne had delivered around 80 per cent of the scheme by the time it ceased trading, the council said in a contract notice today (29 April). The job had been due for practical completion in July 2024.
The new 12-month contract for Willmott Dixon – structured under a JCT Design and Build 2016 agreement – is worth £7.2m excluding VAT. The replacement contractor will begin work in December 2024.
The project forms part of the local authority’s development programme in Maida Vale, north-west London.
Westminster considered four options to complete the works: direct negotiation with Willmott Dixon, full re-tender, appointing existing subcontractors and consultants under a management contract, or selecting a contractor through a framework.
Following preliminary supplier engagement via the Southern Construction Framework, Willmott Dixon was the only bidder willing to take on the job.
The replacement contractor was appointed without prior competition under direct award rules, with the council citing the urgent need to complete the job.
Source: Gov.uk Find a Tender
Read More
Ben Vogel