Haringey Council has awarded contracts for fixtures, fittings, and equipment (FF&E) for its new Civic Centre, a key step in the project to establish the council's new headquarters by 2027.
Councillor Ruth Gordon, Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Local Economy, approved the contracts for the supply, delivery, installation, refurbishment, and relocation of FF&E. The procurement was split into two lots to ensure value for money and support sustainability objectives.
Lot 1, for new furniture, was awarded to Bidder J for £519,530.51. Lot 2, covering the refurbishment, relocation, and installation of existing FF&E, was awarded to Bidder G for £256,815.50. Both contracts will run for five years, with an option to extend for an additional year.
The decision aims to ensure the Civic Centre is fully functional for its planned occupation in 2027. The FF&E procurement will furnish modern office accommodation, civic and democratic functions, and public-facing community spaces within the Grade II Listed building and its new annexe.
The council's strategy prioritises the reuse and refurbishment of existing furniture, aligning with commitments to sustainability and the circular economy by reducing the need for new manufacturing and associated transport impacts. Where new furniture is necessary, specifications focus on durability and potential for future reuse. Specifically, these specifications require items to be durable and capable of reuse or relocation, supporting circular economy principles and reducing waste over the lifecycle of the assets. The FF&E strategy prioritises the reuse, refurbishment and relocation of existing furniture, supporting the council's commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
The contracts are within the overall Civic Centre budget, which was approved by Cabinet on 12 November 2024. Cabinet on that date agreed a capital budget provision of £1.35m for client fit-out items for the Civic Centre under capital scheme 330 – Civic Centre Works. The report noted that the alternative of not procuring FF&E was not recommended due to significant operational risks and potential service disruption. Without the necessary FF&E, the Council would be unable to occupy the Civic Centre, leading to significant operational risks, delays for other fit-out contractors, disruption to services, and undermining the objectives approved by Cabinet.
The procurement process followed the requirements of the Procurement Act 2023, with an open competitive tender process. Bidders were evaluated on a 60% quality and 40% price basis. Bidder J achieved the highest score for Lot 1, and Bidder G for Lot 2.
The Civic Centre project is designed to support flexible, inclusive, and sustainable working practices, with considerations for neurodiversity and a range of work settings. Neurodiversity was considered in the design process, with ongoing engagement planned to ensure needs are met. The procurement specification will include accessible furniture, with chairs suitable for approximately 95% of staff, flexibility in furniture to re-configure as structures or staff needs change, and a diverse range of work settings including concentration zones, collaboration areas, and relaxation and informal conversation spaces. The procurement process also embeds social value, including commitments to local employment, skills development, sustainability, and community engagement.
Further details on the contract awards can be found in the Printed minutes 27th-Mar-2026 09.30 Cabinet Member Signing and the Public reports pack 27th-Mar-2026 09.30 Cabinet Member Signing. Additional information is also available in the Award of contract for the acquisition of Fixtures Fittings and Equipment FFE for the Civic Centr.
