Bidding has commenced on a new framework from Network Rail to procure and supply steel products for overhead line equipment (OLE)
The framework will begin delivery on 01 January 2027, lasting through to 01 March 2033, with potential extension to 2035. It has a total value of £240m and covers five different lots.
The five lots include:
- Lot 1 Steel Piles – Tubular steel piles used for foundations, valued at £70m
- Lot 2 Steel Structures – In the forms of masts and spans (booms, portals and other structures spanning the track) to which OHLE is attached, valued at £99m
- Lot 3 Small Part Steel Uncontrolled – Components to enable OHLE equipment to be attached to the structures, valued at £27m
- Lot 4 Small Part Steel Controlled – Various clips and clamps used to secure items to the structures as well as supporting OHL Wire, these are often casted items. Products on this Lot require Product Acceptance (PA), NR can sponsor suppliers through this process, valued at £31m
- Lot 5 Fixings – Electrification specific fixings and fasteners to secure the electrification structures, valued at £13m
Up to 25 suppliers will be appointed, with tenders due by 22 September. Bidders for the first two lots must demonstrate that steel can be both bought and stored on behalf of Network Rail.
Full notice of the framework can be found on the government’s Find a Tender service.
Network Rail invests in new housing
Earlier this year, Network Rail launched its property company, and in April, it was announced that they would be bringing their first new homes to Cambridge North, through a partnership with Blocwork.
The homes will be built in an expansion around Cambridge North Station, which will also see regeneration of the old freight sidings, a new Novotel Hotel, and more office spaces.
425 residential units are planned to be built alongside 53,700 sq m of commercial space. Furthermore, plans for the area are to focus on ‘ultra-low car use’, prioritising public transport and cycling routes.
At the time of announcement, Robin Dobson, group property director at Network Rail, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to unlock disused railway land and create a new residential quarter adjacent to Cambridge North station.
“As the largest owner of brownfield land in Great Britain, we are able to unlock strategically important sites such as this as we continue to play a central role in delivering sustainable housing to drive future growth.
“We look forward to working with all neighbours and key stakeholders such as The Crown Estate to deliver a new neighbourhood which acts as a catalyst to adjacent sites.”
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