New framework launched to help deliver new London homes, public spaces and infrastructure

New framework launched to help deliver new London homes, public spaces and infrastructure

• New A+U Framework to make it easier for London’s public bodies to access the expertise they need to deliver key projects.
• The programme has been redesigned following extensive stakeholder feedback to ensure it can maximise work opportunities for small and under-represented firms, simplifying procurement rules to deliver best value.

A new framework has been launched today by City Hall to make it easier and faster for London’s public bodies to access the expertise they need to deliver high-quality homes, public spaces and infrastructure projects across the capital.

Set up to help small firms and under-represented groups access work opportunities, the four-year Architecture and Urbanisation (A + U) framework enables architectural practices, design studios and built environment specialists to bid for commissions from London boroughs, UK public bodies and housing associations. 

The framework is designed to support a wide range of projects, from housing and regeneration, transport and infrastructure, through to civic, workspace, public realm and small-scale projects.

The A+U Framework has been in operation for three years, and between March 2023 and March 2026, it enabled the procurement of over £15m worth of services. This includes the East Architecture Landscape and Urban Design company, who secured nearly £500,000 to support the Oxford Street pedestrianisation programme, and Archio, who secured £1.1m across multiple small sites projects. 

Supporting the Mayor’s Good Growth by Design programme [1] the framework helps deliver inclusive, sustainable and design-led growth, with a strong focus on social value and diversity. 

It has been redesigned following extensive stakeholder feedback, to ensure the programme achieves its aim of boosting work opportunities for small and under-represented firms. Changes have included making the procurement process easier and faster, and enabling contracts to be awarded more quickly. There is also a stronger focus on sustainability and providing guidance for small organisations, alongside support once they are on the framework.

There is also a new assessment criteria and support measures designed to broaden participation and increase representation across the sector – with diversity, inclusion and sustainability embedded throughout the framework.

While recent years have presented major challenges for housebuilding across the country – with the sector affected by delays in building safety approvals, rising construction costs, shortages of workers and skills and higher inflation and interest rates - the A+U Framework continues to provide a streamlined procurement route for public sector organisations to commission high-quality suppliers.

Tackling the housing crisis is one of the Mayor’s top priorities, and he is determined to deliver the social and affordable homes Londoners desperately need. National planning policy is now focused on significantly increasing housing delivery, with The London Plan planning for 558,000 new homes between 2027 and 2036. 

The Government’s flagship New Towns programme will also create additional demand for strategic design and urbanism expertise, as well as the GLA’s substantial housing funding pipeline, with £11.7bn available to support affordable housing delivery through the London Social and Affordable Homes Programme 2026–36.

Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Regeneration, said: “London’s success depends on great design, inclusive growth and the talent of our built environment sector.

“This new Architecture and Urbanisation Framework will make it easier for public bodies to access the expertise they need to deliver high-quality homes, public spaces, infrastructure and regeneration projects across the city.

“We are particularly proud to be creating more opportunities for small, emerging and diverse-led practices. 

“I would encourage all public bodies to engage with the new Framework, ensuring that the widest possible range of talent can help shape London’s future, as we build a fairer, greener and more prosperous city for everyone.”

Oxford Street Development Corporation CEO, Nabeel Khan, said: “The Mayor’s A+U Framework has been a fantastic support to OSDC as a new Mayoral Development Corporation, allowing it to appoint outstanding design teams through competitive processes both quickly and efficiently. Together we have been able to bring together the expertise needed to transform one of the nation’s streets, whilst championing home-grown design.”

Director of Archio, Mellis Haward, said: “Small sites are one of the most effective ways London can tackle its housing shortfall. They can deliver new homes in years rather than decades, helping councils respond more quickly to local needs while building development expertise within their own teams. 

“The GLA deserves real credit for recognising small sites as a specialist area in their own right and for creating a framework that gives SMEs like Archio a direct route into public-sector housing delivery. 

“Through the framework, we have secured commissions in Camden and the City of London, however for Archio, success will ultimately be measured by the homes that are built and the people who get to live in them.”

Director of East, Julian Lewis, said: “There is something distinctive about the GLA A+U framework; it feels as if quality of design is a key requirement rather than an optional extra. Being part of the GLA A+U Framework has enabled us to bid for a rich and diverse range of public space, housing, and community projects.

“A highlight for East was winning the dream commission alongside the Mayor and the OSDC to make Oxford Street car-free. We will certainly seek to be included in the next stage.”