Queen Elizabeth II Memorial - Bridge Contractor Procurement

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is seeking a specialist Bridge Contractor for the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial programme in central London. This is a preliminary market engagement notice for a major infrastructure project valued between £11.5 million and £13 million. The contractor will be responsible for designing, prototyping, fabricating, and installing a bespoke pedestrian bridge as part of this nationally significant memorial project. Key responsibilities include structural stainless steel fabrication, specialist glass balustrades, integrated paving and finishes, design validation, prototype testing, detailed 3D modelling, and site installation within a sensitive public realm environment. The contractor must work collaboratively with Foster + Partners (lead designer) and the wider design team, demonstrating exceptional architectural quality, specialist craftsmanship, and technical expertise. DCMS anticipates a two-stage procurement approach: Stage 1 - Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) anticipated award May 2027, supporting prototype development and technical validation; Stage 2 - main fabrication and installation contract anticipated February 2028. The procurement will follow the Procurement Act 2023 using a competitive flexible procedure with an open initial tender stage. The contract will initially be with DCMS with intended novation to the Principal/Main Contractor. Market engagement closes 31 December 2026, with tender notice expected January 2027. Contractors must have capability to manage the complete integrated bridge package either through in-house expertise or appropriately managed specialist subcontractors. The works require particular attention to construction logistics, programme coordination, and stakeholder management in a complex central London location.