London, UK - The UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has launched market engagement for two construction contracts worth up to $54.24 million (£40.5 million) to deliver the Queen Elizabeth II memorial in central London.
Separate DCMS notices describe requirements for a main contractor and a specialist bridge contractor for the project in St James’s Park.
The main construction package is valued at between $33.48 million (£25 million) and $36.83 million (£27.5 million), excluding VAT. The bridge contract is estimated at $15.4 million (£11.5 million) to $17.41 million (£13 million).
That puts the combined estimated value of the two packages at between $48.88 million (£36.5 million) and $54.24 million (£40.5 million).
The main contractor would oversee enabling works, demolition, civil engineering, landscaping and the installation of memorial features. Its scope includes demolishing an existing bridge, constructing foundations for its replacement and coordinating installation of the new structure.
The contractor would also demolish and rebuild public toilets, construct pathways and paved areas, and undertake drainage and planting works.
Heritage works would include dismantling, moving and reinstating Grade II listed structures, subject to statutory consents.
The separate bridge package covers the design validation, prototyping, fabrication and installation of a bespoke pedestrian bridge, incorporating stainless steel, specialist glass balustrades and integrated paving.
The bridge contractor would work with lead designer Foster + Partners on technical design development, prototype testing and fabrication detailing. Its responsibilities would include three-dimensional modelling, assembly, transportation, lifting operations and temporary works.
DCMS proposes procuring both packages through a competitive flexible procedure under the Procurement Act 2023.
Each appointment would be split into two stages, beginning with a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) before a separate commitment to construction or fabrication works.
For the main works, the department is considering NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract arrangements, including the development of a fixed-price contract during pre-construction. It is also seeking feedback on NEC4 arrangements for the specialist bridge package.
Under the proposed delivery model, DCMS would initially appoint the bridge contractor directly. The bridge contract would then be novated to the main contractor, subject to agreement and approvals.
DCMS plans to award the bridge PCSA in May 2027, followed by its fabrication and installation contract in February 2028. The main contractor’s PCSA is scheduled for August 2027, with the main construction contract following in May 2028.
Both procurements are expected to reach the tender stage in January 2027.
The published contract schedules run to December 2029, with possible extensions to December 2030. DCMS said construction completion dates remained undetermined.
The department is seeking industry feedback on construction logistics, technical risks, supply-chain capacity, pricing and the proposed contractual arrangements. Particular issues include stainless steel fabrication capacity, prototype testing, long-lead materials and the coordination of bridge installation with the wider construction programme.
The works would take place in a historic public park, requiring contractors to manage public access, protect existing assets and coordinate specialist operations.
A joint market engagement event is scheduled in Westminster for 9 November 2026, with registration closing on 4 November. Contractors must register through the department’s procurement portal and complete a non-disclosure agreement before attending.
A follow-up questionnaire is expected to close on 18 November, while the formal market engagement period remains open until 31 December.
The department said participation in the engagement process was voluntary and would not be required to bid for either contract.
