Twyford Zoo has started the hunt for a design and build contractor to deliver a £19m research centre and orangutan enclosure.

The National Science and Conservation Centre will be a purpose-built complex located adjacent to Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire.

The zoo has secured full levelling-up funding for the ambitious project that will offer researchers from around the world the opportunity to study the four great apes as well as 100 endangered species, in naturalistic complex environments.

The appointed contractor will build multiple orangutan habitats and a higher education campus with a residential facility and orangutan den building.

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council is working with Twycross Zoo on the project, which will be procured as a two-stage open book design and duild procurement.

On commencement of the pre-construction phase, the preferred contractor will be required to take ownership and adopt the design from RIBA stage 4 to completion.

Firms have until 22 September to submit prequals with a contract awarded expected to by made in January 2024.

For more details click here for bid portal (ref ID: DN685461) or email Welland Procurement’s Andrew Wintersgill.