A consortium of landlords has launched a £180 million framework to help around 2,000 new homes.

JV North consists of 11 members spanning Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Nottingham and Preston.

The organisation plans to build 3,000 new homes for rent and ownership by 2021. Approximately 2,000 properties will be delivered under the four-year framework.

The JV North development framework has previously included contractors, architects and quantity surveyors. The new programme will also include employer’s agents, principle designers, legal conveyancers and valuers.

The consortium has created a two-tier system based on the value of the works being offered;

• Level 1 is being launched now and is a framework targeting contractors and consultants for works in excess of £1 million

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• Level 2 will be launched in April and is a framework for contractors bidding for work valued up to £1 million so SME builders get an improved opportunity

The consortium is also seeking contractors to deliver offsite projects using modern methods of construction.

Sean Stafford, Director of Saffer Cooper, which manages JV North’s development programme, said: "The landscape in social housing has changed and JV North is reacting to this to ensure it can deliver just as it has since forming in 2007.

"The existing framework has been very successful with excellent work carried out by a collection of high quality organisations and professionals.

"We are now looking to widen it so we can deliver nearly 3,000 new home ownership properties and so require consultants who offer specialist services.

"As well as larger businesses, in April SMEs can apply for works valued £1 million and under so JV North members can further increase the investments they make in their local economies and communities.

"Many small to medium sized contractors do not actively look for procurement opportunities because most work tendered is usually perceived as too big for them but we want them to apply too.

"This is why we have divided the framework into work based on value."

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(LM/MH)