Construction has commenced on the £8.06 million Heart of Greenstead Phase 1 regeneration project in Colchester, which will deliver a major transformation of local community facilities and services.
Delivered by contractor Partners Carmelcrest on behalf of Colchester City Council, the scheme forms a key part of the wider £18.2 million regeneration programme, funded through the UK Government’s regeneration programme, which aims to improve facilities, services and opportunities across the city.
This project was procured via the Procure Partnerships East of England Construction Framework Framework,via a mini competition call-off method.
Creating a new centre for community
The Heart of Greenstead is designed to strengthen how services operate together and improve the way residents access support, opportunities and community activities.
Phase 1 of the project will see the demolition of the existing housing office, the creation of a dedicated early years hub through the repurposing of the current library, and the construction of a new purpose-built library through an extension to the existing community centre.
The community centre will also undergo significant refurbishment and extension works to provide improved housing services, a community café and flexible multi-use spaces for residents and local groups.
The project builds on earlier investment delivered as part of the wider regeneration programme, including enhancements to the local GP surgery and pharmacy, helping to create a more joined-up approach to health, wellbeing and community support.
The existing facilities no longer fully meet the needs of a growing and changing community. By investing in modern, flexible and accessible spaces, the project will enable services to collaborate more effectively while creating new opportunities for residents to connect, participate and thrive.
Collaborative procurement through Procure Partnerships
The project was procured through Procure Partnerships Frameworks, providing Colchester City Council with a compliant and efficient route to appointing a Contractor Partner while encouraging collaboration from the earliest stages.
A mini competition call-off method was selected, enabling the Council to assess contractors based on their experience, capability, delivery methodology and overall value proposition. This ensured that only suitably qualified framework partners were invited to tender while maintaining competitive tension throughout the process.
Following their appointment, Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) enabled Carmelcrest to work closely with the Council and design team to develop the delivery strategy, optimise sequencing and identify potential risks before construction commenced.
This collaborative approach supported improved programme certainty, early supply chain engagement and a smoother transition from design into delivery.
For Carmelcrest, procurement through the framework provided an efficient and proportionate process, reducing unnecessary tendering costs while allowing the team to demonstrate its experience in delivering complex projects within live community environments.
Delivering a phased approach within a live community setting
The project will be delivered through a carefully planned phased approach to maintain access to essential services and minimise disruption for residents and users of the existing facilities.
Works will be sequenced across four key phases, with a focus on maintaining safe pedestrian routes, clear communication and effective management of construction activities alongside ongoing community use.
With 97% of Carmelcrest’s projects delivered within live, occupied environments, they have extensive experience managing complex interfaces between construction activity and public-facing facilities.
Creating lasting social value for Greenstead
Social value is a central part of the project, with commitments focused on supporting the local economy, creating skills opportunities and strengthening community connections.
Carmelcrest will work with local SMEs wherever possible, creating employment opportunities through local recruitment initiatives and job fairs, while also providing work experience placements to help individuals gain practical insight into careers within construction.
The project team will also deliver community engagement activities, including sessions with local schools focused on construction careers, health and safety and pathways into the industry.
In addition, Carmelcrest will support local community initiatives through financial contributions and partnership working, including collaboration with Colchester Central Food Bank.
Ben Spooner FCIOB, Managing Director at Carmelcrest, said:
“We are commencing this important regeneration project in Colchester this month. In close collaboration with Colchester City Council, we have taken the time to engage early with the local community to ensure we are fully aligned with local priorities from the outset.
Our objective is clear: to deliver a high-quality scheme that creates a lasting, positive impact for residents and strengthens long-term value in the area.”
Rory Doyle, Strategic Director at Colchester City Council, said:
“The Heart of Greenstead is about far more than new buildings. It is about creating lasting social value and removing barriers to opportunity for local people by investing in people as well as place, and by bringing health services, housing support, education, childcare and community activities together in one accessible hub.
The project is designed to strengthen connections and create a welcoming space where people can come together, learn and access support. Ultimately, it will create a more connected and resilient community where services work together, and residents are supported to thrive.”
Tom Woolley, Framework Manager (East Midlands and East of England), Procure Partnerships Framework:
“Procure Partnerships Framework are delighted to continue our excellent relationship with Colchester Borough Council in appointing Carmelcrest to deliver this transformational scheme.
Heart of Greenstead will provide a crucial facility to allow the local community to thrive, and it has been particularly pleasing to facilitate the early engagement necessary to allow Carmelcrest to deliver this scheme on budget, on time and to such a high specification.
The Heart of Greenstead project is expected to complete in Winter 2028, creating a long-term legacy of improved facilities, stronger community connections and enhanced opportunities for residents across the area”
Through the Procure Partnerships Framework, Colchester City Council was able to access an efficient, compliant route to market while working with an experienced delivery partner from the earliest stages.
By bringing clients, contractors and supply chains together through a collaborative approach, the framework continues to support the delivery of high-quality projects that create lasting social, economic and community benefits.
To find out how Procure Partnerships Framework can support your next project, covering everything from 50k to 30m+, and discover a faster, more collaborative route to successful project delivery: *Framework page link
image credit: KLH Architects
