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Scope

Reference

25_010

Description

Project Overview

Worcester Cathedral is proposing a programme of high-level repair works to the North-West tower pinnacles, following previous storm-related damage and ongoing fabric deterioration.

The works will require a complex, high-level access scaffold to facilitate:

- Careful dismantling and rebuilding of stone pinnacles

- Masonry repairs and conservation works

- Associated roof-level access and protection measures

- The scaffold will form a critical element of the project, both in enabling safe access and in protecting the historic fabric below.

Scope of Scaffolding Works (Indicative)

The appointed contractor will be expected to:

- Design, supply, erect, maintain, adapt and dismantle a fully compliant scaffold system

- Provide independent tied scaffolding to the North-West tower at high level

- Minimise physical intervention into historic fabric (fixings into mortar joints only where required)

Incorporate:

- Full working platforms to pinnacle level

- Safe access routes for operatives and materials

- Hoisting arrangements / loading bays (subject to design development)

- Debris containment and protection measures

- Weather protection (if required)

- Welfare Facilites

Coordinate with:

- Cathedral operations (public access, services, events)

- Conservation requirements

- Specialist contractors (stonemasons, rope access where applicable)

All works must comply with:

BS EN 12811 and relevant TG20 guidance

Heritage best practice for working on listed structures

Key Constraints

- Grade I listed building of exceptional significance

- Prominent location within the city and cathedral precinct

- Ongoing public access and daily use of the cathedral

- Limited opportunities for fixing into historic fabric

- Requirement for visually sensitive and carefully detailed scaffold design

- Potential ecological constraints (programme-dependent)

Contractor Requirements

Interested contractors should be able to demonstrate:

- Proven experience of complex scaffolding to historic / listed buildings, ideally cathedrals or structures of similar scale

- Experience working at significant height and in constrained heritage environments

- Working to an agreed scaffold design on a complex building

Strong approach to:

- Health & safety

- Protection of historic fabric

- Coordination with multi-disciplinary teams

- Ability to engage early in design development and methodology planning

Expression of Interest Submission

Contractors are invited to submit an Expression of Interest including:

- Company profile and relevant experience

- Examples of comparable projects (with images where possible)

Initial comments on approach to:

- Working on historic fabric

- High-level access and stability

- Confirmation of availability and capacity

Next Steps

Following review of Expressions of Interest, a shortlist of contractors will be invited to:

- Submit a formal tender

Total value (estimated)

• £135,000 excluding VAT
• £162,000 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Contract dates (estimated)

• 6 July 2026 to 26 February 2027
• 7 months, 21 days

Main procurement category

Works

CPV classifications

• 45262100 - Scaffolding work
• 45212350 - Buildings of particular historical or architectural interest
• 44212310 - Scaffolding

Contract locations

• UKG12 - Worcestershire

Participation

Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation

Tenderers will be required to demonstrate appropriate financial standing and organisational capacity to deliver the works. This may include provision of summary financial information and confirmation of relevant insurances.

The Contracting Authority reserves the right to request supporting evidence prior to contract award.

Technical ability conditions of participation

Tenderers will be required to demonstrate suitable technical ability and experience in delivering scaffolding and temporary works of a similar nature and complexity, including work to historic or sensitive structures.

Evidence may include relevant project examples, details of key personnel, and confirmation of appropriate training and competence of operatives.

Tenderers should hold relevant industry accreditations (for example, membership of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation and CISRS certification) or equivalent standards, which will be accepted.

Particular suitability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Submission

Enquiry deadline

15 May 2026, 2:00pm

Tender submission deadline

4 June 2026, 2:00pm

Submission address and any special instructions

Tenders may be submitted electronically

Yes

Languages that may be used for submission

English

Award decision date (estimated)

5 June 2026

Award criteria

Other information

Payment terms

Payments will be made within 30 days of receipt of a valid and undisputed invoice.

Invoices shall be submitted in accordance with the requirements set out in the contract documentation.

Any disputed invoices will be addressed promptly, with the undisputed portion paid in accordance with the stated payment terms.

Description of risks to contract performance

The works relate to a Grade I listed cathedral of exceptional significance, and risks to contract performance include constraints associated with working to historic fabric, including limitations on fixing methods and access.

The Cathedral will remain operational and open to the public throughout the works, requiring careful coordination, phasing and management of public safety.

The scaffold design and installation will need to respond to complex geometry and high-level access requirements, with coordination required between the Contractor, Architect and Structural Engineer.

Programme risks may arise from weather conditions, site constraints, and the need to align with conservation requirements and approvals.

The Contractor will be expected to work collaboratively with the project team to mitigate these risks.

Applicable trade agreements

• Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

Conflicts assessment prepared/revised

Yes

Procedure

Procedure type

Open procedure

Contracting authority

Worcester Cathedral

• Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMBT-5624-HDQJ

Worcester Cathedral Chapter Office, The Old Palace

Worcester

WR1 2LH

United Kingdom

Contact name: Philip Waghorn

Email: philip [at] clewsarchitects.co.uk

Region: UKG12 - Worcestershire

Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government