Architecture practices run by directors from ethnically and economically diverse backgrounds are being encouraged to bid for a place on Southwark’s framework after the local authority was forced to reopen the process.

The architect design services framework, worth up to £500m, was originally announced earlier this year but when it emerged that none of the 110 winning practices was led by black people and very few had BAME directors, the mayor of London criticised its “unacceptable” lack of diversity.

The council and its provider LHC have now announced they are “extending” the framework and would be appointing up to 20 additional practices, both established and emerging.

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