Design, Build, Operate and Maintain Services for Cambridge City Centre District Heat Network

Cambridge City Council, in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council and 19 academic institutions, is seeking a Design, Build, Operate and Maintenance (DBOM) partner to deliver a new district heating network in Cambridge's city centre. The network will use low-carbon renewable heat sources including air source and river source heat pumps, supplemented by electric boilers, to serve major heat loads across the city centre and support ambitious decarbonisation goals. Key Details: - Scope: Design, build, operate and maintain the district heating network, including metering and billing services - Project Timeline: Formal procurement Q3 2026; commercial stage services to commence with main contract and works starting end-2027; phased 5-10 year construction period with first heat delivery targeted for 2030 - Partnership Model: Minimum Viable Product based on connections to partner organisations, with strategic ambition for citywide expansion - Funding: Subject to Cambridge City Council Cabinet approval and successful Green Heat Network Fund bid (targeted March/April 2026) - Next Steps: Early market testing meetings to be scheduled between 23 February and 6 March 2026 The council is supported by specialist advisors: Amberside Advisors, Buro Happold, and Sustainability Co. Interested parties should submit contact details to procurement@cambridge.gov.uk.