Portsmouth City Council is seeking to engage with suitably experienced Providers in respect of a forthcoming contracting opportunity for Affordable Extra Care housing development and management in Portsmouth.

The project involves a Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) for the design, build, finance, and long-term operation of an Affordable Extra Care Housing development in Portsmouth, specifically at Edinburgh House in Cosham. The Council is exploring delivery via a DBFO (Design-Build-Finance-Operate) or alternative models, aiming to construct a minimum of 60 affordable extra care units—an increase from prior planning consent for 50 units—on a Council-owned site with a proposed 130-year lease. Participating providers will collaboratively review design enhancements, secure planning amendments, acquire funding (including grant support), build the scheme, and subsequently manage housing services for residents eligible for Adult Social Care. The intended partnership will include full responsibilities spanning architectural design, construction, housing management, maintenance, and service operations.

As part of the PME, the Council will hold a Teams briefing on 3 July 2025, followed by individual 1‑on‑1 sessions from 14–25 July 2025. Providers must register their interest by 10 July 2025, confirming eligibility and attending one of six allotted discussion slots. The PME will inform a formal competitive flexible procurement under the new UK Procurement Act 2023, with the official tender expected to follow in early 2026. This first-phase project aligns with Portsmouth’s Corporate Plan 2024–26, emphasizing Priority 3: expanding extra care and supported living to improve wellbeing and reduce cost pressures on health and social services. Following PME conclusions anticipated in September 2025, the Council plans to launch a DBFOMT-style tender, targeting a contract award around September 2026, leading to a roughly 25‑year operational period (Oct 2026–Oct 2051).