SCAPE was established by six local authority shareholders: Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Gateshead Council, Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, and Warwickshire County Council. These councils had previously collaborated on educational projects and decided to continue their partnership through the creation of SCAPE. Officially founded in April 2006, SCAPE aimed to deliver high-quality and sustainable designs and procurement.
Marking 20 years shaped by people, projects, and partnerships that have delivered outstanding value to the public sector.
2006 - 2026
“I’m really proud of all of the projects we have delivered, all of the partnerships we have established, and all of the people who have built and strengthened SCAPE's legacy over the last two decades.”
For 20 years, SCAPE and its partners have been dedicated to creating spaces, places, and experiences that leave a sustainable legacy in communities. Owned and managed for the benefit of the public sector, SCAPE provides efficient time and cost-effective support throughout the design, development, and construction processes.
Today, SCAPE is one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement authorities, with over 1,700 live commissions and projects. SCAPE offers frameworks compliant with the Public Contracts Regulations and the Utilities Contracts Regulations across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. SCAPE’s consultancy, civil engineering, construction, and utilities frameworks have achieved Gold Standard verification through Constructing Excellence and the highest level of compliance with the Carbon Reduction Code.
SCAPE is a member of the National Association of Construction Frameworks (NACF), the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), and Build UK.
Hear from SCAPE’s Group Chief Executive, Mark Robinson, as he discusses the founding of SCAPE, the challenges faced, and what makes the organisation stand out. Watch the video below.

As of now, SCAPE has achieved:
Since the inception of its frameworks in 2006, SCAPE has built a powerful network of more than 50 expert delivery partner organisations, working collaboratively to deliver construction, consultancy, civil engineering and utilities projects that strengthen infrastructure and connect local communities across the UK.
Together, since 2012 these partnerships have engaged over 675 public sector clients, delivering more than 2,000 projects and 3,500 commissions. This consistent and long-term collaboration has driven outstanding performance, with 94.7% of projects delivered on time, 95.81% delivered on budget, while 89.4% of subcontractors engaged are SMEs, supporting local economies to thrive nationwide*.
At the heart of this success is our shared commitment to embedding social value into every project. Through SCAPE’s procurement approach, delivery partners are selected not only for their technical excellence, proven experience, a strong track record of achievement, and a clear commitment to best practice and innovation, but for also making social value “business as usual”, from creating jobs and apprenticeships, to strengthening local supply chains and reducing environmental impact.
Today, 23 delivery partners operate across SCAPE’s frameworks, continuing to raise standards through innovation, collaboration and a focus on real, measurable outcomes. This collective approach ensures transparency and value at every stage of the project lifecycle. Through close collaboration across the entire project lifecycle, we ensure consistent quality, transparency, and performance.
Over the past two decades, these partnerships have become more than a supply chain, they are a community of organisations that are united by a shared purpose to deliver better buildings, stronger communities and a more sustainable future.
“Our frameworks create enhanced social value outcomes for clients across the public and private sectors. Working collaboratively with our delivery partners, they’re consistently leading the way in best practice and innovation to achieve enhanced community outcomes, and we couldn’t be prouder to have them as part of Team SCAPE."
Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive, SCAPE
We are proud to work with these delivery partners, past and present, who have demonstrated the combined skills and expertise to deliver exemplar projects under the SCAPE banner to the highest quality. Explore the full list of SCAPE delivery partners, and their impact below:
Arcadis | Arup | Ashe Construction | AtkinsRéalis | Balfour Beatty | Clegg Construction | Conamar | Curtins Consulting Ltd | Cyril Sweett Ltd | EC Harris | Enterprise Managed Services Limited | Environmental Scientifics Group | Farrans | Fortem | Frankham Consultancy Group Limited | G F Tomlinson | Gleeds | Gotch Saunders & Surridge LLP | GRAHAM | Halcrow Group Ltd | Herbert Baggaley Construction Limited | Interserve Project Services Limited | J Tomlinson Ltd | Jeakins Weir | Kier | Langwith Builders Limited | Lendlease | Lindum Group | Lovell Partnerships | Mace | Mansell Construction Services Limited | McLaughlin & Harvey | MDA Consulting Ltd | Morgan Ashurst PLC | Morgan Sindall Construction | Oliveti Consortia Limited | Overbury | Perfect Circle | Pick Everard | R G Carter | RJ McLeod | Robertson | Seddon | Sisk | Stepnell | Summers Inman LLP | Taylor Young | Tomlinson | Trent Architecture + Design Ltd | Triskelion | Turner & Townsend Project Management | Wates | Willmott Dixon | Woodhead Construction | WT Partnership | WYG Environment Planning Transportation Ltd
*Statistics since 2016.
- We will be celebrating 20 years of partnership with delivery partners Willmott Dixon and G F Tomlinson whom has been on the various SCAPE frameworks, starting with empa, empaii and the Regional Construction framework.
- Balfour Beatty recorded over 2 million hours worked without a Lost Time Incident (LTI) in 2020. This fantastic milestone was achieved in 11 months across 62 projects for 43 clients, worth a combined total of £631m.
Beginning in 2012, Bedford Borough Council embarked on a borough-wide programme to transform its education system from a three-tier to a two-tier model while addressing an urgent and sustained demand for additional school places.
It was a challenge that required strategic vision, technical expertise and close collaboration from all stakeholders.
Designed by Lungfish Architects and through SCAPE frameworks in partnership with Kier and Willmott Dixon, the programme delivered 343 new and refurbished classrooms, created capacity for more than 9,200 pupils and raised the percentage of primary pupils receiving their first-choice school from 92.3% to 95.7%. It stands as a benchmark for collaborative, community-focused infrastructure delivery.
Lungfish was appointed as lead designer across the programme, delivering more than 50 projects including conversions, expansions and new schools - including Riseley Primary School, Cotton End Forest School, Castle Newnham School, Wixams Tree Primary School, Wixams Academy and Bromham C of E Primary School. All schemes were constructed through the SCAPE frameworks, with Kier delivering projects under £5m and Willmott Dixon delivering larger schemes. Together, this partnership enabled pace, consistency and quality at scale.
Over the course of the programme, 343 new or refurbished classrooms were delivered, creating capacity for more than 9,200 pupils and significantly improving access to education across the borough. By 2018, the percentage of primary pupils securing their first-choice school had risen from 92.3% to 95.7%, demonstrating the real-world impact of the programme. Read the full report on the programme of works here.
Between 2012-2019 the partnership delivered:
"Through our ongoing relationship with Bedford Borough Council, we have enabled a positive change for the whole of Bedford which demonstrates the fantastic outcomes that can be achieved through true collaboration. Bedford Borough Council are now able to provide current and future residents with the certainty of an outstanding education for their children for many years to come."
Mark Robinson, Chief Executive, SCAPE
"Big challenges demand bold, robust responses. That’s what our SCAPE Bedford programme has delivered to meet the challenge of a growing population, new and growing communities and rising numbers of schoolchildren overall."
Mayor Dave Hodgson, Bedford Borough Council
Our 2013-2015 Project Highlights
In May 2026, Lungfish Architects celebrates ten years of delivering thoughtful, sustainable and people-centred design across the UK. What began as a practice designing modest school extensions has evolved into an award-winning studio shaping education design, delivering town centre regeneration schemes, and leading on complex residential and commercial projects.
Over the decade, Lungfish Architects has delivered almost 150 projects, including more than 100 utilising offsite, volumetric design and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Investment in research and development has positioned them as leaders in offsite education design, including pioneering a flexible component system that adapts to any site topography, to optimising layouts for manufacturing efficiency, sustainability and affordability, and the development of a concept design for the transformation of an entire blue light estate.
This innovation has enabled significant outcomes, such as the delivery of Ravensdale Infant and Nursery School in Derby, just nine months after the original building was destroyed by arson. This project became an award-winning, national example of how modular design and MMC techniques can help local communities in times of need.
They have paved the way in school building design, creating more than 20,000 school places and 650 classrooms across the UK. Their portfolio includes the successful delivery of a significant school expansion programme across 64 sites in Bedfordshire, as well as purpose-built forest schools where sustainability and outdoor learning are embedded at the heart of the architecture. Notable examples include Cotton End Forest School, Leicestershire's first purpose-built forest school Greenstone Primary School and Award-winning Thoresby Vale Primary Academy.
With roots in the public sector, Lungfish Architects is proud to be part of the SCAPE Group, supporting local authorities with advice, speed and certainty, while also delivering independently for private clients. Their multidisciplinary experience ensures that all the designs they create are considered, deliverable, and for the benefit of local communities.
Lungfish Architects brings ten years of proven experience in delivering sustainable, people-first designs and look forward to creating places that inspire, connect and positively impact communities for many years to come.
"It has been a privilege to be involved in the development of our brand new school. Having the opportunity to discuss the design with both architects and designers at Lungfish will make a fundamental impact on children for many years to come. We have embraced the design and "feel" of the school and embodied it into our school ethos. A very natural and calming environment, a respect of the natural world and a feeling of peace."
Sarah Coleman, Headteacher of Oak Grange Primary School

“This is a joyous milestone for all staff and pupils at the school and I am pleased to see the school rebuilt to the highest standards, on budget and on time. This has been possible because of excellent partnership working between Ravensdale School staff, the governing body, and school leadership team, Lungfish Architects, Morgan Sindall Construction and the Council. It was deeply upsetting to see the destruction caused by the fire, but these fantastic facilities will help pupils make the most of the first stages of their learning journey. Losing a school has an enormous community impact, and my thanks go to the schools who offered space for Ravensdale children while the building work was ongoing.”
Councillor Evonne Williams, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Skills at Derby City Council
A decade of collaboration between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE
In June 2026, Arc Partnership celebrates ten years of transforming property services delivery for Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC), a public-public joint venture between NCC and SCAPE built on shared ambition, commercial expertise and long-term commitment.
Established to address funding uncertainty, skills retention challenges and service inefficiencies, Arc Partnership has evolved into a high-performing organisation delivering multidisciplinary design, construction, maintenance, estates and regeneration services. With an exclusive contract to 2031, Arc Partnership provides NCC with transparency, governance and strategic alignment, while leveraging SCAPE’s enterprise capability and procurement expertise.
Since 2016, NCC has commissioned over £441m of work through Arc Partnership, spanning 3,854 projects, more than 50,000 reactive maintenance calls and 73,500 servicing visits. The partnership has created a resilient, expert local workforce of over 100 professionals, retained critical public sector skills and reduced reliance on external consultancy.
Arc Partnership’s success is rooted in collaboration, commercial discipline and continuous improvement, from achieving ISO 19650 accreditation to accelerating regeneration and development opportunities across Nottinghamshire, and it’s award-winning strategic partnership with Nottingham Trent University. As a contracting authority, Arc Partnership also drives value through compliant, SME-focused procurement, with 93% of spend delivered through local businesses.
In 2025, for every £1 invested by NCC, £1.63 of social value was generated, alongside strong customer satisfaction, consistent on-time and on-budget delivery, and more than £1m in dividends returned to each shareholder.
Ten years on, Arc Partnership stands as a national exemplar of how public-public partnerships can protect expertise, unlock opportunity and deliver lasting economic and community impact.
"It has been a great source of pride to see the development of Arc Partnership in supporting Nottinghamshire County Council. We are fortunate to have local government shareholders at SCAPE that believed in the vision we shared with NCC at the outset. We have established a unique organisation that has leveraged the benefits of strategic outsourcing, but remains under the close control of NCC; retaining local professional skills lost to many Councils, leveraging procurement for effective delivery from local suppliers, delivering a consistently good quality of service and with the commercial strength to ensure good value for NCC when it invests in projects. At SCAPE we operate for the public sector across the UK and our customers look at Arc as an exemplar. Our local authority shareholders have secured a return on their initial investment in Arc which, while modest is important in supporting public finances. More importantly, the impact on service in Nottinghamshire has been transformative."
Mark Robinson, SCAPE Group Chief Executive and Board Chairman, Arc Partnership

"Arc Partnership constantly delivers value for money and does a great job supporting us to create an efficient, safe and sustainable land and property portfolio, helping to deliver more integrated customer-focused services, value for money as well as supporting regeneration and economic growth. To date, Arc Partnership has delivered 3,511 projects – which equates to more than £394 million worth of investment, of which an impressive £344m has been spent locally. This is fantastic news for the local economy; they’re dealing with businesses here in Nottinghamshire and employing local people – with 95% of its team living locally, which is incredible. You also must remember a lot of this has been delivered during a time when local authorities have faced extremely difficult financial challenges in addition to the pressures brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic."
Wayne Bexton, Director of Economy, Environment and Assets, Nottinghamshire County Council and Arc Partnership Board Director
"Working with Arc Partnership has been hugely beneficial for our business; we can build on a stable base of at least £0.5m a year of work for the Council, supporting other defence and public sector clients in the region and delivering our long-term growth objectives"
Steve Middleton, Owner and Managing Director, Lukes & Godwin (Nottinghamshire-based SME, electrical maintenance and project subcontractor)
"We are proud of our heritage and excited about the future alongside Arc. With a strong partnership, a commitment to sustainability, and deep local roots, Miller Freeman and Sons continues to play a vital role in building a greener, more resilient community alongside Arc Partnership."
James Shaw, Director, Miller Freeman and Sons (Nottinghamshire-based SME, plumbing and heating solutions and project subcontractor)
Social value delivery is not an add on at SCAPE, it is embedded at the heart of how we procure, manage and deliver our frameworks.
In 2017, SCAPE became a founding member of the National Social Value Taskforce, partnering with Social Value Portal to help establish a consistent, measurable approach to integrating the Social Value Act across the construction industry. Together, we supported the development and adoption of the Social Value TOM System™, a nationally recognised framework of economic, social and environmental measures that underpins performance across our projects.
By integrating the TOM System directly into SCAPE’s procurement and framework management processes, social value becomes “business as usual” for our framework delivery partners. Organisations appointed to SCAPE frameworks are those that demonstrate meaningful, measurable commitment to communities, from local employment and SME engagement to carbon reduction and skills development.
All outcomes are independently measured and rigorously reported, providing transparent evidence of impact and enabling continuous improvement. This collaborative approach has resulted in greater innovation and impact across our delivery partner network, driving improved standards throughout many of their operations beyond SCAPE projects, raising the standards across industry.
Through our partnership with Social Value Portal, we continue to benchmark, evolve and lead, ensuring that every built environment project delivers lasting economic, environmental and community benefit.
Read the latest Annual Benchmarking Report to explore the impact in detail.
“Our frameworks create enhanced social value outcomes for clients across the public and private sectors. Working collaboratively with our delivery partners, they’re consistently leading the way in best practice and innovation to achieve enhanced community outcomes, and we couldn’t be prouder to have them as part of Team SCAPE."
Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive, SCAPE
Our 2016 - 2017 Project Highlights
The refurbishment of North Bridge in Edinburgh has been a testament to the power of effective partnerships and integrated delivery.
After years of heavy use, exposure to the elements and limited maintenance, the historic three-arch bridge, spanning Waverley Station and the busy Market Street in Edinburgh’s city centre, required urgent repair and full refurbishment. The structure had significantly deteriorated, posing a considerable risk to the railway below and to pedestrians.
The £17.5m project was procured through the SCAPE Scotland Civil Engineering framework and started on site in June 2018. It has brought together City of Edinburgh Council, Historic Environment Scotland, SCAPE Scotland, Balfour Beatty, and several community and technical partners – all who have a unified goal of preserving and futureproofing the iconic structures, ensuring safety, accessibility, and civic pride for generations to come.
However, the location of the bridge in the city centre and the nature of the works has posed significant technical, logistical and heritage challenges over the last eight years, of which integrated delivery and collaborative planning between all partners have been critical.
The restoration itself is highly complex. The bridge sits above a live railway station, active rail lines and a busy city street, with vehicles and pedestrians constantly moving beneath it. At peak times, up to 150 people were working on the structure simultaneously. Careful planning and coordination between the council, project partners and stakeholders were essential to maintaining access to this complex live site while minimising disruption and ensuring public safety.
The refurbishment is expected to be completed in summer 2026. Its success is largely attributed to the shared expertise, commitment and collaborative values of SCAPE Scotland, Balfour Beatty, the City of Edinburgh Council and the many partners involved in delivering the project.

“As part of our broader plans to create a people-focused Capital under the long-term City Centre Transformation programme, the road running over the bridge will eventually benefit from active travel improvements, connecting to our growing network of walking and cycling-friendly routes.”
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, The City of Edinburgh Council
A brand-new, modular school that delivered 200+ pupil places in nine months to a brand-new community, demonstrating how modern construction methods can provide fast and effective solutions to the school places crisis.
Faced with a rapid increase in demand for school places driven by an increase in housing developments, Derby City Council required a new primary school in Mickleover to be fully operational by September 2019. With just 15 months from concept to completion, modern methods of construction (MMC) were identified as the only viable solution.
Designed by SCAPE's in-house architectural practice, Lungfish Architects and delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction via the SCAPE Venture framework, Hackwood Primary Academy became the Council’s first fully modular school. Utilising a standardised, research-led approach that optimised layouts for offsite manufacture, the single-storey, one form-entry school includes six spacious classrooms, a 26-place nursery and a double-height, two-court sports hall, all benefiting from excellent daylight, ventilation, acoustics and thermal comfort to support educational attainment.
A total of 42 modules were manufactured offsite and craned into position in just seven days, allowing the school to open nine months after breaking ground. Careful coordination of deliveries minimised disruption to the local community, while the offsite approach significantly reduced construction traffic, saving 9,680 car miles and lowering embodied carbon.
Delivered on budget in August 2019, the school is future-proofed with an expandable layout that can increase capacity to 315 pupils as the community grows. The project also achieved strong sustainability outcomes, diverting 94% of waste from landfill and generating more than £1.3 million in social value locally.

"The experience here has been excellent and that has been from initiation through to the project team on site. What I really liked is that you just got on and built it. The team were great, very professional and always found solutions. It was definitely good collaborative working. I was dubious about the modular solution, but the finish is as good as any school I’ve ever been to."
David Highfield of Derby City Council
Our 2018 - 2019 Project Highlights
When Covid-19 restrictions brought face-to-face teaching, site visits and in-person work experience to a halt, thousands of young people risked missing out on vital exposure to future careers. In response, Learning in Lockdown was created as the UK’s first fully accredited virtual work experience programme for the construction industry.
Delivered in May 2020, the week-long initiative reached more than 2,000 Year 10 and S4 pupils from 300 secondary schools across England, Scotland and Wales. Designed as a collaborative digital experience, the programme centred on a real-world design challenge that engaged students across the full breadth of STEM subjects, while showcasing the scale, diversity and social impact of careers in construction.
Learning in Lockdown was developed and delivered as a not-for-profit initiative, supported by a network of industry partners, social enterprises and education specialists. Class of Your Own, Learn Live and Engineering Development Trust (EDT) provided delivery and accreditation through the Industrial Cadets scheme, with additional backing from SCAPE framework delivery partners, supply chain contractors and mentors across the sector.
Mobilised in just a matter of weeks, the programme achieved national reach during an unprecedented period of disruption, generating significant interest from schools and industry alike. It delivered measurable social value, maintained high-quality learning outcomes and ensured students remained inspired and connected to future opportunities, proving that innovation and collaboration can remove barriers to access, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Read more about some of the most notable outcomes of the week here.
“I signed up after being approached by my school and thought it would be a good opportunity to try something new whilst I wasn’t able to physically be in school! It gave me the chance to interact with other students at different schools and do something I hadn’t done before!”
Poppy, Year 10 pupil at Hadley Learning Community Secondary School
Initiative results:
“Learning in Lockdown has been the best thing I’ve done in my 25 years of teaching”.
Teacher

SCAPE Scotland was created in 2019 to provide dedicated support to our Scottish clients, respond to Scotland’s distinct national procurement regulations, laws and legislation, and help ensure that investments made in Scotland stay local. The first frameworks delivered through SCAPE Scotland followed shortly after in 2021.
Since then, the SCAPE Scotland team has delivered on its commitment to social value and local communities on projects across the country. For example:
- Making a difference for communities in North Ayrshire: delivered by Morgan Sindall, the new Ardrossan Community Campus — the largest-value project procured through SCAPE Scotland to date — will provide cutting-edge educational facilities for over 1,400 pupils alongside wider community amenities.
- Contributing towards more sustainable living environments at Prospecthill Court: delivered by Kier Construction through the SCAPE Scotland Construction framework for River Clyde Homes, this project transformed 90 homes within a 16-storey high-rise block. The retrofit reduced carbon emissions, lowered heating costs for residents, and improved residents’ wellbeing, while also supporting local workers and strengthening community connections.
- Delivering a hub for health innovation at the University of Edinburgh: the new Usher Building, delivered by McLaughlin & Harvey through the SCAPE Scotland Construction framework, provides a state-of-the-art research, workplace and post-graduate teaching environment in the heart of Edinburgh’s BioQuarter.
And SCAPE Scotland is only getting started. Working closely with partners, the team will continue to accelerate projects across Scotland, adapting alongside evolving client needs, and prioritising social impact, sustainable legacies and community benefits in every built environment project they support.
Our impact
“It has been hugely rewarding to see both the growth in the use of our frameworks by the public sector in Scotland and see first-hand the contribution we can make with our Delivery Partners to the communities that we work within. Through the efforts of Partners on each project, our Community Legacy Programme and SCAPE Reinvest, we are able to provide more than just quality in project delivery.”
Gary Meechan, Operations Director ‑ Scotland & Northern Ireland
The Construction Waste Portal is a digital SaaS platform designed to help the construction industry predict, plan, manage, and reduce waste more effectively with a strong focus on sustainability and cost efficiency.
In December 2021, SCAPE Group announced its agreement to acquire the Construction Waste Portal, a digital platform designed to help the construction industry more effectively predict, plan, manage, and reduce waste. The portal helps contractors control waste-related costs while promoting sustainable practices across various projects.
Launched in 2020 by John Logan, now the Director of Sustainability at SCAPE, the platform was created specifically for construction firms and contractors seeking a smarter way to manage waste. It also offers a clear marketplace where waste management and resource companies can present their services to construction clients in a transparent and accessible manner.
The Construction Waste Portal addresses a long-standing challenge in the industry: the unpredictability of waste quantities and disposal costs that can disrupt project planning, budgets, and sustainability goals.
Since its integration into SCAPE, the portal has experienced significant growth and is nearing its fifth anniversary as part of the organisation. Being part of SCAPE Group has provided valuable exposure to various partners, access to essential networks, and a shared commitment to improving resource efficiency and sustainability across the sector through SCAPE’s frameworks.
The acquisition has also strengthened the portal by providing dedicated technical and marketing support, enabling it to respond swiftly to industry needs while gaining insights and ideas from a growing base of partner users.
Today, the portal supports SCAPE’s broader sustainability strategy by diversifying the organisation beyond its frameworks, driving better data, promoting smarter waste planning, and advancing progress towards a circular construction economy
Construction Waste Portal facts:

“SCAPE has provided the Construction Waste Portal with the platform it needed and has aligned with the aspiration to drive resource efficiency in the sector. I am immensely proud of the progress we have made and continue to make.”
John Logon, Operations Director - Construction Waste Portal
Our 2020 - 2021 Project Highlights
Driving built environment carbon reduction through collaboration, accountability and innovation for transparent progress toward Net Zero by 2045.
In 2022, SCAPE and SCAPE Scotland achieved Champion Status under the Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment, alongside delivery partner Morgan Sindall Construction. This is the highest recognition awarded by the Cambridge Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction. The achievement sits within the wider framework of the Construct Zero initiative, led by the Construction Leadership Council, which supports organisations in reducing carbon emissions across the built environment.
To align with the Code, organisations must publish clear, actionable plans to reach Net Zero by 2045, with annual targets set to deliver major reductions by 2030. Achieving Champion Status shows a strong commitment not only to reducing emissions but also to leading and encouraging others across the sector to take action.
The construction industry continues to need strong leadership and clear direction on sustainability. The Code provides a shared framework that brings together several initiatives into one consistent approach to tackling carbon reduction. By aligning with it, SCAPE demonstrates its commitment to supporting its supply chain, framework partners and clients in moving towards a lower-carbon future.
In 2025, SCAPE and SCAPE Scotland successfully retained their Champion Status, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable procurement and responsible project delivery. The process required collecting extensive evidence on carbon performance, including organisational emissions and project data. This led to improved reporting, stronger data management, and clearer environmental standards.
Addressing the climate emergency with practical action is a national imperative that we take very seriously at SCAPE.
“Addressing the climate emergency with practical action is a national imperative, and it is one we take very seriously at SCAPE. The Carbon Reduction Code is a hugely important initiative, and so I am absolutely thrilled that our team has achieved Champion status.
The Code is vital to driving the systemic and behavioural change needed within construction and will serve as a barometer against our ambitious plans to enable a direct response to the climate challenge through procurement, design and delivery innovation.
With the support of our passionate delivery partners, our talented teams and the robust governance that has been laid out in the Carbon Reduction Code, we are committed to working hand in glove with industry to chart a course that will improve the environmental performance of the public estate.”
Mark Robinson, CEO of SCAPE
“I am delighted to see SCAPE and SCAPE Scotland retain Champion status. With only a handful of organisations to achieve the highest level, it truly demonstrates that we are driving change in terms of carbon reduction and sustainability across the industry.”
John Logan, Sustainability Director
- 2022 – Achieved the Carbon Reduction Code for the first time
- 2025 – Retained Champion status under the Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment (CRCBE) — the highest level of compliance awarded by the Cambridge Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction.
Developed by the SCAPE Scotland Community Legacy Group, SCAPEing out a World of Work responds directly to Scotland’s growing construction skills gap and the ambitions of Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) to broaden career awareness among young people.
Hosted at The Engine Shed in Stirling, the two-day immersive event brought together more than 200 young people aged 16–25 from across Scotland, including underrepresented and hard-to-reach groups. Through a series of interactive workshops and demonstrations, attendees explored the full breadth of careers in construction, including traditional trades, professional roles, digital innovation and green roles.
From trying stone masonry and brickwork, to engaging with BIM models in a 270-degree VR environment, and operating surveying equipment and electric plant machinery, participants gained practical, hands-on insight into a modern and evolving industry. Sustainability and biodiversity were key themes throughout the event, reinforcing the sector’s role in shaping a greener future across Scotland.
The impact was clear, 68% of attendees increased their understanding of construction careers, 73% said they would consider a role in the industry, and 97% would recommend the experience to others.
Delivered in collaboration with SCAPE Scotland’s framework delivery partners Arup, AtkinsRéalis, Balfour Beatty, McLaughlin & Harvey, Morgan Sindall, Kier, Triskelion, the initiative demonstrates how industry-led engagement can break down barriers, challenge perceptions and inspire the next generation.
These experiences do more than just showcase careers in the construction industry, they make them feel possible.
"The feedback from the work tasters was phenomenal. Collaboration with the SCAPE partners, HES and supporters enabled us to create something special for young people from across Scotland. Highlights included attendance from hard-to-reach young people and underrepresented groups. The young people, teachers, college staff, support staff and even HES volunteers were all blown away with the opportunities available within construction."
Elizabeth Halliday, Head of Responsible Business at Morgan Sindall Construction
Initiative outcomes
"We set out to inform and inspire the young people who came along so that they might consider a career in the built environment. By giving them a taster and some hands-on experience of a wide variety of roles within the industry we hope that they left the event more knowledgeable about construction and some of the amazing career opportunities it holds."
Gary Meechan, SCAPE Scotland’s Head of Frameworks
With Derby’s population set to increase by 10% by 2039, the need to provide more infrastructure, housing and school places has been one of Derby City and Derbyshire County Council’s top priorities.
As founding members of the SCAPE Group, both local authorities have accelerated the delivery of many of their projects via SCAPE frameworks, combining speed, certainty and quality at scale.
Central to this programme is Lungfish Architects, SCAPE Group’s in-house architectural practice, and responsible for the design of every school delivered. Working in close collaboration with both councils and delivery partners, Lungfish’s consistent design-led approach has enabled the creation of high-quality, inspiring, future-ready learning environments that are tailored to the needs of growing communities.
Over five years, six major projects have been delivered through SCAPE frameworks by Morgan Sindall Construction and Wates Construction. Spanning new schools, expansions and the rapid recovery after a devastating arson incident, the programme demonstrates the strength, flexibility and resilience of a fully integrated partnership.
Across Hackwood Primary Academy, Highfields Spencer Academy, Ravensdale Infant & Nursery School, Oak Grange Primary School, Castleward Spencer Academy and Murray Park Community School, more than 2,000 school places have been created, alongside over £8m in social value.
The collaboration between SCAPE, Lungfish, its shareholders and framework delivery partners showcases the power of a fully integrated model, where design excellence, procurement efficiency and delivery expertise come together to shape thriving education environments for growing communities.
Explore the full story of Derby’s school programme here.
"We are delighted to be welcoming the first pupils to our newest primary school at Castleward. Its state-of-the-art design features such as the flexible use of space, the innovative outdoor play area and the security of a sprinkler system offer a superb environment for learning. The school will be vital in transforming the regeneration of an inner-city area into a thriving community."
Councillor Evonne Williams, Cabinet member for children, young people and skills of Derby City Council

“This is a joyous milestone for all staff and pupils at the school, and I am pleased to see the school rebuilt to the highest standards, on budget and on time. This has been possible because of excellent partnership working between Ravensdale School staff, the governing body, and school leadership team, Lungfish Architects, Morgan Sindall Construction and the Council. It was deeply upsetting to see the destruction caused by the fire, but these fantastic facilities will help pupils make the most of the first stages of their learning journey. Losing a school has an enormous community impact, and my thanks go to the schools who offered space for Ravensdale children while the building work was ongoing.”
Councillor Evonne Williams, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Skills of Derby City Council
SCAPE’s policy paper, Building for Public Good: A Charter for Change, urged Central Government to address critical built environment challenges, through four key recommendations.
Ahead of the General Election in 2024, SCAPE published Building for Public Good: A Charter for Change. The policy paper was an urgent call to Central Government and policymakers, asking them to recognise construction as an enabler of change. Through the right legalisation, the built environment can drive financial, social, environmental, and economic growth.
The Charter for Change outlined key recommendations around the construction skills agenda, enabling efficient building, empowering local government and supporting sustainable construction, including:
- Spearhead a national recruitment campaign to elevate the construction skills agenda
- Reinstate the Chief Construction Advisor (CCA) role within central government
- Give local authorities more devolution of powers and fair funding
- Set strict national targets and commercial incentives for reducing construction waste
Over a period of 14 months, the Charter for Change created meaningful conversations, amongst Central Government, local authorities, and construction leaders. Stephen Dance, Director of Commercial Advisory Team at HM Treasury, Kari Williams, Head of Sustainability at Balfour Beatty and Paul Simpson, Chief Executive Officer at Derby City Council discussed the recommendations during a panel at UKREiiF.
Senior leaders in local authority and construction also addressed the challenges and solutions presented in the Charter for Change during four roundtables in Leeds, Nottingham, Southampton and Cardiff. Following these, SCAPE used the insight from the roundtables to publish a follow-up report - A Year of Change: Public Good, Public Building – What the Nation Needs Now.
The Charter for Change has ignited important conversations across the public sector, and two recommendations within the paper – elevate the construction skills agenda and reinstate the Chief Construction Advisor – have now been implemented by Central Government. SCAPE continues to speak to MPs, minsters and policymakers to improve delivery and outcomes across the construction sector.
“There is a shared commitment to delivering public good through construction. The next step is clear: we must turn policy into action by empowering local authorities, investing in skills, and fostering meaningful collaboration.”
Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE
- April 2024: SCAPE launches Building for Public Good: A Charter for Change.
- May 2024: UKREiiF panel discusses findings
- September 2024: First roundtable kicks off in Leeds
- November 2024: Roundtable in Wales discusses the importance of a skilled workforce
- February 2025: SCAPE partners with Business South for its third roundtable in Southampton
- May 2025: The final roundtable takes place in Nottingham
- June 2025: SCAPE publishes its follow up insight report - A Year of Change: Public Good, Public Building – What the Nation Needs Now
The Crop Innovation Centre (CIC) is a world‑class research facility that supports the future of sustainable agriculture. Delivered by McLaughlin & Harvey through the SCAPE Scotland Construction framework, the building brings together cutting-edge, globally significant science, collaboration and innovation under one roof.
Funded as part of a £62million investment through the Tay Cities Region Deal by the UK and Scottish Governments, the CIC is now home to two major innovation centres: the Advanced Plant Growth Centre (APGC) and the International Barley Hub (IBH). Delivered for the James Hutton Institute the £43million sustainable building will future-proof consolidates key research functions, future-proofing operations across the UK and enabling greater collaboration across discuplines.
Early contractor involvement through the framework was vital to the project’s success. McLaughlin & Harvey were able to work collaboratively with AtkinsRealis via the SCAPE Scotland Consultancy framework, and the wider design team, to ensure the facility was delivered efficiently, meeting complex technical and sustainability requirements while maintaining cost certainty to deliver within budget.
Completed in July 2024, the CIC now accommodates more than 100 researchers and staff across 44 laboratories and supporting office accommodation, supporting their world-leading research into crop resilience and food security.
Beyond the building itself, the project team delivered an exceptional £38.6M in social value, equating to 93% of the project value and setting a benchmark for responsible, community-focused delivery. The project is featured in SCAPE's Social Value in Construction Benchmarking Report 2025 here.
Project impact
“We worked closely with partners at McLaughlin & Harvey and Oberlanders Architects to ensure the successful delivery of this new facility. The strength, resilience and sustainable design of the building are key to supporting the groundbreaking research housed within, and we are proud to have worked with a dedicated team to bring this project to life.”
Alasdair Cox, Director of Operations at the James Hutton Institute

We became one of the UK’s first public sector framework providers to have our frameworks verified in line with the Central Government’s Construction Playbook.
On 1 August 2024, SCAPE proudly became one of the UK’s first public sector framework providers to achieve Gold Standard verification through Constructing Excellence, a milestone that reflects our long-standing commitment to best practice procurement.
The Gold Standard, aligned to the UK Government’s Construction Playbook, sets out clear expectations for transparency, collaboration, value for money and social impact in public sector construction. Achieving verification demonstrates that our consultancy, civil engineering, construction and utilities frameworks meet and exceed these rigorous central government requirements.
Established in 2021 by David Mosey on behalf of the Cabinet Office, Constructing Excellence’s Gold Standard Verification scheme was created to ensure the public sector takes decisive action to improve value, reduce risk and deliver strong socioeconomic outcomes through procurement. SCAPE has championed public procurement best practice for more than a decade and, in 2023, joined the Gold Standard scheme Task Group.
We have collaborated with industry peers like the Ministry of Justice and the Environment Agency to shape criteria for building safety, risk management, sustainability, and supply chain engagement. A key requirement of the Gold Standard is meaningful SME and supply chain involvement, clear visibility of future pipelines, and a collaborative approach to procurement. SCAPE ensures compliance and value for money through transparent pre-market engagement, robust evaluation processes, and rigorous procedures at every stage of the project lifecycle.

"I am very pleased that SCAPE has achieved Gold Standard Full Verification of their 11 current frameworks. SCAPE and their Independent Verifier, Katie Saunders of Trowers & Hamlins, have put enormous work into the verification process and have shown the power of Gold Standard frameworks and framework contracts to deliver significant benefits for public sector clients and the construction industry. Implementing the 24 Gold Standard recommendations will place SCAPE in a strong position to work collaboratively with their clients and supply chain members through strategic planning, integrated teams and continuous improvement which will deliver better, safer, faster and greener project outcomes."
Professor David Mosey CBE, Chair, Constructing Excellence Gold Standard Task Group
- 2021: Constructing Excellence’s Gold Standard Verification scheme was established in 2021 by Professor David Mosey CBE on behalf of the Cabinet Office
- 2023: We joined the Gold Standard scheme Task Group.
- 2024: Our suite of consultancy, civil engineering, construction and utilities frameworks proudly achieved Gold Standard verification.
Following a successful eight-year partnership, Nottinghamshire County Council extended its contract with Arc Partnership two years early and for a further five years.
In October 2024, Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC) renewed and extended its initial 10-year contract with Arc Partnership through to 2031, reaffirming its long-term commitment to the joint venture between NCC and SCAPE which delivers end-to-end property and land services across Nottinghamshire.
The renewal followed the successful delivery of services since the partnership was first launched in 2016. In just eight years, Arc Partnership delivered 3,511 projects – which equates to £394m worth of investment, of which £344m was spent locally.
Through the renewed agreement, Arc Partnership will continue to deliver major programmes on behalf of the council, including the development of new state-of-the-art schools, refurbishment of existing educational facilities, modernisation of libraries, and the ongoing management of the council’s property and land portfolio.
NCC Councillors welcomed the early contract extension, hailing the partnership’s exceptional success and noting its integrated and customer-focused approach, strong value for money, and consistently high-quality delivery.
By extending the agreement through to 2031, the council has ensured that the unique partnership can continue to support its long-term infrastructure and estate priorities whilst delivering services that drives real value for communities across Nottinghamshire.
"The early contract extension highlights the ‘trust’ the council has placed in Arc and our partnership is based on collaboration and delivering real value together. The one thing we are proud of, outside of the services we provide for the County Council and the communities of Nottinghamshire, is that we are delivering using a locally employed workforce and supply chain. It’s nice to see local people and the local economy have benefited because of this journey, too."
Daniel Maher, Managing Director at Arc Partnership
“The contract extension was fantastic news for the local economy; they’re dealing with businesses here in Nottinghamshire and employing local people – with 95% of its team living locally, which is incredible.
Arc Partnership constantly delivers value for money and does a fantastic job supporting us to create an efficient, safe and sustainable land and property portfolio, helping to deliver more integrated customer-focused services, value for money as well as supporting regeneration and economic growth.”
Wayne Bexton, Director of Economy, Environment and Assets at Nottinghamshire County Council

Sherwood Observatory Science Discovery Centre and Planetarium is a unique project that transformed a historic underground reservoir into a modern science and education facility. Located in Sutton-in-Ashfield in Nottinghamshire, the project combines heritage preservation with innovative design to create a space where visitors can explore science, astronomy, and technology.
Originally built in the 1880s, the Victorian reservoir once supplied drinking water to the local community. Over time, it was no longer needed, and the structure was left unused. Instead of allowing the building to deteriorate, the team at Sherwood Observatory saw an opportunity to reuse the historic structure in a meaningful way.
The project carefully preserved the original brick arches of the underground reservoir while constructing a new science centre above it. The design allows visitors to experience both the historic architecture and modern educational spaces in one location. The new facility includes interactive exhibition areas, classrooms for school groups, meeting spaces, and a café. One of the main attractions is the planetarium, where visitors can watch immersive shows about space and the universe.
The centre was developed to inspire interest in STEM subjects, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, particularly among young people. Schools, families, and community groups can take part in workshops, educational visits, and planetarium presentations.
Today, the Sherwood Observatory Science Discovery Centre and Planetarium has become an important educational and community hub. Delivered by G F Tomlinson through the SCAPE Venture Framework, the project involved support from Ashfield District Council and used sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. High accessibility standards ensure that the observatory is welcoming to all, positioning it as a model of heritage-led regeneration to inspire learning and foster community growth.
“Right from the initial vision, this project has been about collaboration and teamwork. The new Planetarium & Science Centre has exceeded expectations and the excitement that has been generated in the area as it has taken shape has been tangible. We are really pleased to open our doors to visitors and show them the wonders of the universe.”
Dr Steve Wallace, Chairman of Sherwood Observatory and client project manager

Key dates and milestones of the project
2014: Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society acquired the land next to the Observatory and began raising funds and applying for funding for the new Science Discovery Centre.
2023: Construction starts
2024: The Construction is finally completed
2025: Sherwood Observatory opens its doors
Our 2023-2025 Project Highlights
Team SCAPE wouldn’t be what it is today without the remarkable individuals who have shaped our culture, standards, values and growth over the last 20 years.
“When I started in 2009, SCAPE had 70 clients and a small team of six. Now, we have 1,300 clients, and a team of 220. The size and scale of the people and clients we help now is remarkable and something we should all be proud of.”
Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive, SCAPE
Now more than 200 colleagues strong across SCAPE Group, including SCAPE, SCAPE Scotland, Arc Partnership, Lungfish Architects and Construction Waste Portal, we are proud of the expertise, integrity and commitment our people bring to their roles every day.
Over the years, many have played a defining part in our journey. Some have moved on to new chapters or well-earned retirement after long careers in the public sector. Some are sadly no longer with us. All have left a lasting mark.
Their influence continues in the way we serve our clients, support one another, and look towards the future. They helped establish the professionalism, warmth and collaborative spirit that define our One Team culture, resolutely passionate about what we do, generous with their knowledge and always ready to those around them.
Visit our dedicated people page to read more.
Thank you to everyone that's been part of our journey so far. Here's to a happy and successful future!
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