Murphy has been included on a brand new construction framework, launched by Be First, the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham’s pioneering new regeneration company, which includes development of twenty-nine new affordable homes in the borough. Our Construction & Property division was assessed on the prices and responses that we provided for a stage one tender submission, of a two-stage design and build procurement for a live project (Sacred Heart Convent). In an extremely competitive tender process, we were ranked first in the framework selection process and therefore will be appointed to develop and construct this project. The project consists of converting the existing Sacred Heart convent into nine flats and the building of 20 new two-storey cottages. We will also demolish a single-storey wing and other small brick buildings. The overall site is 0.4 hectares and work will start in May 2019. There are plans to build more affordable housing in the borough. This project represents the start of a rewarding relationship for J. Murphy & Sons Ltd., Be First and the local community in Barking and Dagenham. The client was impressed with our fit-to-start pre-construction programme, open and honest approach during the bid process and our multi-skilled offering of in-house capabilities. This includes our specialist piling and ground engineering, Murphy plant, hard landscaping, street infrastructure, and our one–stop solution, which connects gas, power, water and telecommunications. Iain Ferguson, Commercial Director at Be First, said: “It was an exhaustive selection process, but we’re delighted to welcome Murphy to the framework and look forward to working with them to accelerate development in Barking and Dagenham.” Who is the client? Be First is a company wholly owned by Barking and Dagenham council. Their mission is to accelerate regeneration in the borough, so that no one is left behind. Their aim is to ensure that 50,000 new homes are built, and 20,000 new jobs created in the next 20 years. This complements the Murphy vision to improve life by delivering world-class infrastructure.
