The Guinness Partnership (TGP), one of England's largest and most established housing associations, has announced its intention to create a multidisciplinary framework agreement spanning up to eight years for development consultancy services. This framework will crucially underpin the delivery of new build affordable housing, building safety initiatives, and planned maintenance projects across the country. Serving approximately 160,000 residents through its management of around 70,000 homes, TGP operates across 144 local authority areas with a strong focus on regions including Greater Manchester, London and the South-East, Bristol, Gloucester and Exeter, as well as Yorkshire and Derbyshire. The framework is divided into four lots covering employer’s agent, cost consultancy, CDM advisor, and principal designer roles, underscoring the broad scope of consultancy needed to support TGP’s ambitious housing programme.

Founded in 1890 by Edward Guinness with the mission of aiding homeless individuals in London and Dublin, The Guinness Partnership has evolved into a major housing provider deeply engaged in addressing the UK's affordable housing crisis. The organisation is partway through an extensive investment programme aimed at delivering 12,500 new homes by 2030, a target supported by a recently issued £400 million, 35-year bond intended to accelerate affordable housing development nationwide. This bond highlights the Partnership’s commitment to expanding quality housing stock and reflects the increasing financial complexities of delivering social housing at scale in England.

In addition to bond financing, TGP has strengthened its development capacity through a strategic partnership with Stonewater, another significant social housing provider. Together, they form one of the largest long-term partnerships with Homes England, securing in excess of £250 million in funding to deliver over 4,000 affordable homes by 2029. This collaboration is part of a broader government-backed initiative to increase affordable housing supply and speed up project delivery, underscoring the critical role of partnerships in tackling housing shortages. Earlier government funding injections also enabled Guinness and Stonewater to commence building 4,500 high-quality affordable homes by 2022, illustrating a sustained trajectory of development activity.

Recognising the dispersed nature of its housing stock and the need for regional agility, the framework tender process emphasises flexibility and extensive geographic coverage. Initial supplier shortlisting will evaluate compliance with minimum participation standards and responsiveness to project-specific queries, ensuring a high calibre of consultancy firms are included. Subsequent bid evaluations will weigh quality heavily at 70 percent alongside 30 percent cost considerations, reflecting the balance between value and excellence needed for impactful delivery.

Beyond construction and maintenance, The Guinness Partnership is also actively involved in tackling broader housing challenges. It is a founding member of the Future Homes Consortium, a collaborative group of 12 leading UK developers and housing associations focused on climate change mitigation, sustainability, and enhancing the safety standards of existing housing. This forward-looking initiative demonstrates TGP’s commitment to integrating environmental and safety priorities into its housing agenda, aligning with growing industry and government emphasis on net-zero and resident wellbeing.

Joining the G15—a group representing the largest housing associations in London—further positions The Guinness Partnership at the forefront of social housing provision in the capital and beyond. With the G15 collectively managing over 700,000 homes, Guinness’s membership facilitates greater collaboration and resource-sharing in addressing housing demand and quality.

The forthcoming framework tender offers consultancy teams a significant opportunity to contribute to one of England’s most comprehensive housing portfolios, enabling impactful involvement across new build, maintenance, and safety projects. As The Guinness Partnership continues to expand its housing stock and strengthen its strategic partnerships, these consultancy services will be vital in ensuring the delivery of affordable, safe, and sustainable homes throughout England.

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Source: Noah Wire Services