University of Leeds uses Yorkshire framework to extend VINCI into £10m substation job

The University of Leeds has used the Procure Partnerships Yorkshire Framework to appoint VINCI Building to a £10m-plus electrical substation replacement on its campus, extending the contractor's existing net zero delivery role under an NEC4 Option A contract.

Procure Partnerships Framework said work on the new Electrical Sub-Station A4 started on site on 28 September 2026. The scheme forms part of the university's Aged Infrastructure Renewal Programme.

According to the framework operator, the university needed a compliant route to appoint VINCI Building because the aged infrastructure works extend the contractor's existing Net Zero Carbon Delivery Partner appointment. The call-off allowed the university to bring the substation scheme into its existing delivery team and carry across lessons from the Worsley Building pre-construction services agreement.

Jaime Stanton, Framework Manager (North) at Procure Partnerships Framework, said: "The A4 substation project is an important investment in the University of Leeds' infrastructure, helping to modernise ageing electrical systems and improve the resilience of the estate for the future."

The works

Procure Partnerships said the project is split into two phases. Phase 1 is due to complete in July 2027 and covers a new brick and block substation, below-ground service trenches and precast troughs, and internal electrical upgrades in existing buildings, including new low-voltage panels in the EC Stoner building.

Phase 2 runs from August to October 2027. Once the new substation is energised and switchovers are complete, the existing substation will be decommissioned and demolished, followed by hard and soft landscaping.

The works include concrete foundations, an off-site packaged substation clad in situ, and prefabricated ducts connecting to the existing network. The ducts are being installed using vacuum excavation to reduce the risk of striking underground services on the live campus.

An arboricultural report has shaped the approach to working around protected trees, and the university will carry out independent vibration monitoring of adjacent buildings, the framework operator said.

Contract management and social value

VINCI will report monthly through the framework's platform against key performance indicators covering cost, time, health and safety, sustainability, fair payment and client satisfaction.

Procure Partnerships said social value is a contractual requirement on every project procured through the framework, with a minimum of 12% social value add. For the Leeds substation, VINCI Building has set targets of 140 apprentice weeks, five employment opportunities and 10 training weeks, alongside 50% local labour, 30% local spend, 50% spend with small and medium-sized enterprises and a 95% payment practices target.

The contractor's Construction Explorers Programme at Thorner Primary School will continue with four further sessions, and University of Leeds students will be offered placements and careers sessions on the project.

Paul Thomas, Interim Development Project Manager at the University of Leeds, said: "Their early engagement and commitment to understanding the University's requirements have been instrumental in progressing a solution that aligns with our strategic objectives and the needs of our students."

Background

The university has committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Its Net Zero Delivery Plan includes upgrading the Worsley Building, which the university describes as one of the highest energy consuming buildings on campus, developing a localised energy centre for the engineering cluster of buildings, and securing an increased electrical supply to campus from Northern Powergrid.

In its Climate Plan update covering December 2024 to February 2025, the university said it had awarded a construction partner contract to Vinci to lead detailed design and construction of the phase 1 capital projects, the Worsley Building and the Engineering Cluster. By late 2025, the university said it had started RIBA stage 4 detailed design on both projects and had appointed a contractor to install solar PV on the Worsley building.

Procure Partnerships says its framework is structured around nine regions across England and is compliant with the Procurement Act 2023.

Phase 1 of the substation scheme is due to complete in July 2027, with Phase 2 scheduled to finish in October 2027.