Network Rail’s Eastern region has unveiled a new five-year Development and Design Partnership Framework (DDPF) aimed at expediting the delivery of transformative rail infrastructure across the North and East of England. The framework will play a crucial role in supporting major projects, including Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) and the Integrated Rail Plan.
The DDPF will streamline the awarding of design and development contracts for PACE Phases 1 and 2 (Engineering Stages 1-5) across the Integrated Rail Plan’s geographical scope. This includes the NPR Portfolio, the emerging NPR Wider Network, and other key 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 framework, set to remain in place until 2030 with the potential for a three-year extension, aims to eliminate the need for individual procurement processes, saving valuable time and delivering better value for money. It also ensures continuity between PACE stages and fosters 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.”
This strategic move by Network Rail’s Eastern region signals a significant commitment to accelerating infrastructure improvements, ultimately benefiting passengers and communities across the North and East.
