This project involves a high value real estate development and investment project for the benefit of beneficiaries of the West Midlands Metropolitan Authorities Pension Fund, one of the largest public sector pension funds in the UK. The project will be for the delivery of a predominantly office scheme in the densely developed core of Manchester, opposite Spinningfields, replacing in due course 2 existing 1960’s office buildings, Astley House and Byrom House, totalling some 150 000 sq ft net. The project involves the appraisal, design and construction of a highly significant complex expected to have a total usable area of approximately 250 000 sq ft net. Positive consultation with Manchester City Council and English Heritage has taken place to establish the broad parameters of the scheme and this will form the basis of a client brief. This will require development in accordance with the highest standards of contemporary, sustainable urban design, principally for commercial uses, but with a retail offering. The Contracting Authority's requirement is for a project manager with the experience, expertise and resources to assume a high degree of executive responsibility for shaping and directing this ambitious and prestigious project at every stage beyond outline design. This will include:

— developing and advising on a design and procurement strategy,

— overseeing the procurement in accordance with the European Public Procurement Rules where relevant of an integrated team of design consultants and managing the same, including running the necessary tender processes under the European Public Procurement Rules,

— managing and overseeing the development of a design scheme which meets the Contracting Authority's institutional requirements, which attracts and secures the interest of the highest quality of tenant,

— securing detailed planning and conservation area consent and is deliverable for a predictable contract sum.

The Consultant will also be responsible for procuring a suitable and reputable Construction Contractor to deliver the scheme on a traditional, design-led basis, with a significant degree of specialist contractor design, on time, within budget and in accordance with the European Public Procurement Rules. This project is an investment for the Fund and it is envisaged that the property will be placed into an offshore trust in the near future. Therefore, please note that the project management contract to which this procurement process relates will need to be novated from the Fund to the trust once it is established - full details will be provided in the Invitation to Tender.