Northern Trains has launched preliminary market engagement for a planned £300m framework covering infrastructure works across its train care centres and stations in northern England.
The procurement would run for an initial five-year term from March 2027, with an option to extend for a further three years until February 2035.
The framework has an estimated value of £300m excluding VAT, or £360m including VAT, and is open to SMEs.
Northern Trains said the agreement would support infrastructure upgrades across its operational estate as part of its asset management and capital delivery strategy.
Northern trains framework
The four-lot framework is intended to provide a pre-qualified supply chain capable of delivering projects ranging from minor works to major integrated schemes.
Lot one covers internal building fit-outs, including storage facilities, waste security, fire systems and heating and ventilation.
Lot two focuses on access systems and component removal and movement solutions.
Lot three covers multidisciplinary railway infrastructure projects, including track, electrification, signalling, telecoms, civils, buildings, geotechnical works and mechanical and electrical installations.
It also includes high-voltage systems, highways, drainage and environmental works, and train servicing facilities.
Northern Trains said the framework would allow works packages to be let across its geographically dispersed portfolio of depots and stations.
Contractors will be expected to deliver projects while maintaining operational railway services and complying with rail-specific safety and regulatory requirements.
The operator said it wanted suppliers capable of delivering multiple concurrent projects while maintaining asset performance, minimising disruption to train operations and supporting continuous improvement throughout the framework term.
Northern Trains is seeking feedback on the proposed framework structure, call-off arrangements, pricing models, subcontracting opportunities and risk allocation before launching the procurement.
A virtual pre-market engagement event will take place on 14 July, followed by a supplier questionnaire and selected one-to-one meetings.
From: Gov.uk Find a Tender
Source: https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/civils/northern-trains-lines-up-300m-rail-infrastructure-framework-03-07-2026/
