MICA appointed onto Southwark Council framework

Southbank Centre London showing MICA's improvements to dining and public realm (pre C-virus)

MICA - which is one of our forum members - has been appointed onto Southwark Council's ground-breaking new £10.5 million architectural services framework in the Conservation and Heritage Lot.

The architectural firm is well known for its sensitive work in this area with director Gavin Miller having spoken at our forum about the company's work on the Southbank Centre London, Kings College London/Guys & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and Oxford Northgate.

The Architect Design Services (ADS) framework - administered by framework procurement specialist LHC and accessible to any contracting authority in London - will be used to procure approximately £10.5 million-worth of design services every year from 2020 to 2025.

At least 50 new jobs - including infills, rooftop schemes and large sites suitable for new estates - could be brought forward by the council over the next two years.

Leo Pollak, Southwark Council cabinet member for social regeneration, great estates and new homes, previously said the framework would engage a 'new generation of designers' in a bid to break with the 'private gain over public good' design culture of the past.

LHC regional manager Jennifer Castle said:

'Through collaborative working, we designed the procurement process to attract the best architectural practices able to deliver innovative construction services to the public sector in London.

Gavin Miller, Director of MICA commented:

'Celebrating heritage and diversity, and capitalising on the benefits of each, informed design interventions in Southwark will assure its vibrant future. Through consultation, minority and majority interests we will find a voice, which will be reflected in the developing community'.

Below image of MICA's Kings College London/ Guy's & St Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust project which involved development of the former Victorian medical school.