Up to 12 firms will win places on the framework covering a vast array of work with individual contracts worth a maximum of £250,000.

The deal is due to start in October and will cover work for Portsmouth City Council, Havant Borough Council, Fareham Borough Council, Gosport Borough Council, University of Portsmouth, NHS Portsmouth and Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust.

The first contract let under the framework will be a major refurbishment of the Middle Park Way social housing residential block built in 1958 in the Leigh Park area of Havant.

Subsequent contracts will focus on “major refurbishment and  alterations to residential, educational and commercial properties”.

Contractors have until June 3 to register their interest with Portsmouth City Council Procurement Service Floor 5 Core 1, Civic Offices Guildhall Square, Portsmouth PO1 2BJ Portsmouth UNITED KINGDOM +44 2392834918 procurement@portsmouthcc.gov.uk in-tendhost.co.uk/portsmouthcc/aspx/Home