Opportunity Overview
-The internal moves of 11 million specimens
-The moves of 28 million specimens to our new facility at Thames Valley Science Park
-The 150th Anniversary Campaign to open previously closed galleries to the public
-The sale of our South London Collections facility
The NHM Unlocked Programme represents the largest ever move of natural history specimens worldwide. The wider CSR project has been tasked with refurbishing collections stores and rehousing five collections across five locations across the South Kensington Estate in suitable collections conditions.
The business case for the NHM Unlocked Programme is predicated on limited space and historic, ageing buildings; meaning that globally important specimens are being kept in conditions that hamper access and sometimes fail to meet minimum environmental standards. Moreover, the insights locked up in the collection remain largely untapped. From tackling climate change and meeting the mineral needs of a net zero world, to restoring biodiversity and achieving food security, the collection offers insights into the planetary emergency and how we might realise a brighter future where both people and planet thrive. The CSR Project supports this endeavour.
Initially we will be tendering for works on the Osteology Store, this will convert a collections store in the basement of the Grade I Listed Waterhouse Building into a temporary “Logistics Hub” and future end state store for heavy and large specimens coming from our South London Store.
As a separate tender there will be a further opportunity to express an interest in tendering for the Main Works package which covers refurbishment works to the other four areas around the South Kensington Estate, including subsequent areas of the Waterhouse Basement (two locations), Darwin Centre Phase 1 and in the Palaeontology...
How to bid: GlobalGov tracks this tender; it does not accept bids. Submit your response through the issuing agency’s official notice.
Your competitors are watching the same crowded contracts everyone else is. Track this opportunity and every one like it worldwide, set deadline alerts, and win where they aren’t. Free for 14 days, no card.
Start a free GlobalGov accountSolicitation Details
| Issuing agency | Natural History Museum |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Category | Government Procurement |
| Estimated value | $1.3M |
| Published | October 08, 2026 |
| Procurement stage | Request for Proposal (RFP) |
| Response due | Not specified / rolling |
| Status | Open — accepting responses |
| Official source | View original notice |
| Last verified | October 11, 2026 |
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: UK Government (Find a Tender).
Related Opportunities in United Kingdom
See every United Kingdom Government Procurement opportunity your competition is missing. Free for 14 days.
Get real-time alerts, competitive intelligence, and deadline tracking for this and every market worldwide.
Start Free Trial — No Card RequiredFree 14-day trial · no card required
See who is already competing here →Get a free United Kingdom Government Procurement intelligence report in your inbox
A personalized report on United Kingdom Government Procurement opportunities, emailed in 5-10 minutes. One per month, no account needed.