A new £500 million national procurement framework has been launched to accelerate building safety remediation projects across England and Wales, strengthening fire safety compliance and supporting safer public buildings.

The initiative, reported by Construction Enquirer, has been introduced by Newcastle-based procurement organisation Prosper and is designed to appoint contractors and specialist suppliers capable of delivering comprehensive building safety improvements over the next four years.

The framework is centred on a turnkey principal contractor model, enabling appointed firms to manage projects from initial surveys and assessments through to the completion of passive and active fire safety works.

Alongside the principal contractor framework, Prosper is seeking specialist suppliers across three key disciplines: building safety consultancy, passive fire protection and active fire protection.

The consultancy lot includes services such as fire risk assessments, compartmentation surveys and fire door inspections. Passive fire protection covers fire doors, compartmentation systems and fire and smoke dampers, while the active fire protection package includes fire alarms, emergency lighting, sprinkler systems, smoke control systems and rising fire mains.

The framework will operate across six regional areas covering the North East, Yorkshire and the North West, Central England, the South East, the South West and Wales. Prosper intends to appoint up to six suppliers within each specialist regional lot, while principal contractors will compete separately for turnkey delivery opportunities.

Eligible public sector organisations, including housing associations, local authorities, NHS trusts, education providers, police services, fire and rescue authorities and charities, will be able to procure services through direct awards or mini competitions.

Tender submissions will close in early September, with successful suppliers expected to be appointed later that month before the framework becomes operational in October.

The programme reflects the continued emphasis on strengthening building safety following increased regulatory requirements across the UK. By creating a dedicated procurement route for fire safety remediation and specialist compliance services, the framework aims to help public sector organisations deliver critical safety improvements more efficiently while supporting long-term risk reduction across their property portfolios.