Public Buildings Construction and Infrastructure (PB3)
Framework Description
Public Buildings Construction and Infrastructure (PB3) is an LHC Procurement Group framework for new public buildings, extensions, refurbishments and infrastructure such as roads and bridges. It is split into four workstreams by project type and value, from schemes under £2 million to projects over £25 million. Applications for PB3 are closed (it is not a DPS), and it runs until 30 April 2027.
Context & Use Case
Local councils, housing associations and other public bodies use PB3 for capital projects such as new schools, libraries and community centres, extensions and refurbishments of existing facilities, and road and bridge schemes. Smaller new build or refurbishment jobs sit in the lower-value workstreams, while larger mixed schemes, including infrastructure, go to workstream 4 with its three value bands.
Scope of Services
Workstream 1: new build only (£0–£2M) Workstream 2: refurbishment only (£0–£2M) Workstream 3: new build and refurbishment (£2M–£7M) Workstream 4: new build, refurbishment and infrastructure (£7M–£14M, £14M–£25M, £25M+)
Lots
Workstream 1 - New build only (£0-£2M); Workstream 2 - Refurbishment only (£0-£2M); Workstream 3 - New build and refurbishment (£2M-£7M); Workstream 4 - New build, refurbishment and infrastructure (£7M-£14M, £14M-£25M, £25M+)
Who Can Apply
Building and civil engineering contractors that deliver public buildings or infrastructure, from smaller firms suited to sub-£2 million work to major contractors. Applications for PB3 are closed, so contractors not already appointed cannot join until it is re-tendered, which is likely around its 30 April 2027 end date.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers reach pre-evaluated contractors for capital projects without running a full tender for every scheme, which saves time and cost. Value bands help them match contractors to project size, and one route covers new build, refurbishment and infrastructure. They look for proven delivery on public buildings and cost certainty.
Next Steps
Appointed contractors should pursue call-offs in their workstream and value band while PB3 runs, and turn completed schemes into case studies. Others should follow LHC's PB3 framework page for news of the replacement ahead of April 2027, decide which workstream and value band match their turnover and track record, and gather public building case studies and quality and safety evidence now.
How Athena Can Help
With applications for PB3 closed until it is re-tendered, Athena helps contractors in two ways. Appointed firms use our call-off bid management to win scheme competitions, with win themes, competitor scoring and pricing that wins while protecting margin.
If you are not on PB3, our bid/no-bid planning for contractors helps you choose the right workstream and value band for the re-tender, and our framework pipeline planning maps other construction frameworks opening over the next 6–12 months so you are ready for each.
