Overbury secures place on Government Hubs framework

National fit out and refurbishment specialist Overbury has been appointed by the Government Property Unit (GPU) to three lots of the Government Hubs Programme fit out framework – the national framework for projects over £25 million, and two regional frameworks (north and south) for projects under £25 million.

The Government Hubs Programme, which operates within the shadow Government Property Agency, will transform the Government Estate to drive efficiencies for the taxpayer, boost the UK economy by freeing up much needed land and property, and provide a modern working environment for civil servants.

One department to use the framework will be Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). It will initially use the four-year framework to fit out 13 modern regional centres. These new ‘smart working’ workspaces will encourage flexible working, giving employees a choice of settings for collaborative, private and quiet working. Additionally, cloud-based technology and an upgraded IT infrastructure will enable staff to move away from their desks, supporting movement around the office and productivity wherever they choose to work.

Through its national network of offices (Birmingham, Bracknell, Glasgow, Leeds, London and Manchester), Overbury has completed 2,000 fit out projects in the last five years, spanning an impressive 50 million sq ft of commercial, higher education and retail banking space. The contractor is already named on a number of public sector, formal and informal frameworks, with 75% of its work won from existing relationships.

Chris Booth, managing director of Overbury commented: “We’re delighted to announce that we’ll be working closely with GPU to deliver its exciting vision for a renewed real estate portfolio, which drives efficiencies and supports new ways of working.

“Enabling ‘smart working’ is an important part of creating offices that support people and operations, not to mention the additional cost savings that are made when spaces are properly utilised. With six offices across the country and a strong network of regional supply chains, we’re confident that we can make the GPU’s workplace vision, a reality.”

The first project is likely to be procured in late 2017, with the majority of onsite activity anticipated in 2019-2020.