Framework
A fully compliant, flexible route to accelerate estate replacement, refurbishment and infrastructure projects.
Our Public Buildings Construction and Infrastructure (PB4) framework is a fully compliant procurement route for public building projects, bringing together construction, refurbishment, civil infrastructure and hard facilities management for the first time. Now in its fourth iteration, we have applied our learnings of operating the framework and integrated market feedback to ensure it meets the needs for your communities.
Designed specifically for the public sector – combining regional delivery with national expertise – PB4 helps organisations modernise, expand and maintain their estates while meeting funding deadlines, regulatory requirements, and Net Zero ambitions.
The Framework Guide explains what can be procured through PB4, whilst the Client Guide supports you through your procurement journey with us, from eligibility and supplier assurance to call-off routes, governance, social value and the support available from our team.
Coming soon!
Suitable for
- Local Authorities and any subsidiaries and joint-venture vehicles of those Local Authorities
- Registered Social Landlords (RSL), Tenant Management Organisations (TMOs) & Arm’s Length Management Organisations (ALMOs)
- Registered Charities
- Publicly Funded Schools
- Universities and Further Education Establishments
- Colleges
- Police Forces
- Fire and Rescue services
- Health Authorities, Councils, Boards and Trusts
Typical project types
- Education buildings
- Healthcare buildings
- Emergency services buildings such as fire stations, ambulance stations and police stations
- Community buildings such as community centres and sports facilities
- Offices and other buildings for social infrastructure
- Residential properties when part of a mixed-use development
- Conversion of commercial buildings for residential use
- Delivery of student accommodation
- Associated works that may be required to deliver the types of buildings above or other public buildings
- Infrastructure works such as bridges, retaining walls, drainage, new roadways, etc.
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PB4 may be the right framework if you need a compliant, efficient route to procuring construction, refurbishment or maintenance works for public sector buildings.
PB4 may be suitable if you need support with:
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New public buildings, estate expansion or replacement
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Refurbishment, retrofit, modernisation or decarbonisation of existing assets
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Civil infrastructure, including roads, drainage, utilities and retaining structures
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Complex programmes combining new build, refurbishment, infrastructure or demolition
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Planned and reactive hard facilities management
PB4 was developed to address the following challenges:
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Maintenance and renewal backlogs: Schools, hospitals and civic buildings requiring extensive repairs, modernisation or renewal
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Net Zero and energy efficiency: Ageing buildings must be decarbonised to improve energy performance, increase thermal comfort for users and lower operational costs
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Safety and operational compliance: Evolving building safety legislation and strict regulatory requirements add complexity, requiring competent contractors to complete updates while providing assurance in the quality of work
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Funding and place-based priorities: Time-limited funding requires demonstration of how investment responds to local needs and wider public service objectives
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Skilled labour and materials costs: Skills shortages and volatile material prices continue to place pressure on project delivery across the construction sector
PB4 supports these issues by providing:
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Speed to market and procurement efficiency
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A fully compliant, flexible procurement route
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Dedicated Net Zero and sustainability considerations
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Embedded social value and local community impact considerations
Designed for public sector clients across Scotland, PB4 combines local regional relationships with the technical and governance expertise of LHC Procurement Group (LHCPG).
Beyond faster procurement and delivery certainty, the framework ensures projects deliver lasting local impact, including:
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Creating jobs and training opportunities in the community
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Aligning projects with local Net Zero and green goals
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Ensuring investment directly supports local place-based priorities
As part of our commitment to social value, PB4 gives clients an opportunity to secure wider social, economic and environmental benefits alongside the design and construction of public buildings.
The framework’s social value priorities focus on connected and inclusive communities, enhanced community spaces, increased use of community facilities, and upskilling and training.
The key social value priorities for PB4 are:
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Individual wellbeing: Connected and inclusive communities
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Planet and environment: Enhanced community spaces and increased use of community facilities
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Social mobility: Training
Find the right workstream
PB4 is divided into five workstreams to help clients identify the most suitable route for their project.
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Lot No |
Lot description |
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Workstream 1 – New build only |
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Lot 1 |
£0 to £1m |
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Lot 2 |
£1m to £2.5m |
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Workstream 2 – Refurbishment only |
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Lot 3 |
£0 to £1m |
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Lot 4 |
£1m to £2.5m |
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Workstream 3 – Civil infrastructure |
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Lot 5 |
£0 to £2.5m |
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Lot 6 |
Over £2.5m |
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Workstream 4 – New build, refurbishment and associated services |
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Lot 7 |
£2.5 to £10m |
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Lot 8 |
£10m to £25m |
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Lot 9 |
Over £25m |
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Workstream 5 – Hard facilities management |
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Lot 10 |
All values |