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Friday 28 Mar 2025

Network Rail Eastern region launches new Development and Design Partnership Framework

Region & Route:

Eastern

New five-year framework will accelerate delivery of transformative rail infrastructure across the North and East.

Network Rail's Eastern region has launched a new Development and Design Partnership Framework (DDPF) to support the delivery of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), the Integrated Rail Plan, and other Eastern region projects over the next five years.

The framework will streamline the award of design and development contracts for PACE Phases 1 and 2 (Engineering Stages 1-5) across the Integrated Rail Plan geography, including the NPR Portfolio and the emerging NPR Wider Network, as well as projects within the Eastern region.

Four strategic solution development partners have been appointed to the framework:

• Arup-SYSTRA Joint Venture
• Amey OWR
• AtkinsRéalis UK and Arcadis Consulting (UK) Joint Venture
• Mott MacDonald and WSP UK Joint Venture

The DDPF will remain in place until 2030, with an option to extend for up to three additional years. By eliminating the need for individual procurement events, the framework will save valuable time and deliver better value for money, while ensuring continuity between PACE stages.

It also aims to foster an environment that drives competition and innovation within the development and design phases.

Jeremy Winsper, head of programme development (NPR) at Network Rail, said: “Our new Development and Design Partnership Framework marks a major step forward in delivering key rail projects across the North and East. By working with strategic partners over the long term, we'll drive innovation, improve efficiency and deliver better value as we turn the vision of Northern Powerhouse Rail and the Integrated Rail Plan into reality."