High Speed Two (HS2) Limited is developing its Interim Maintenance Contracts (IMC) framework, with an estimated value of £1,240,800,000 including VAT across a term of approximately ten years and five months. This framework will cover the routine maintenance, repairs, and safeguarding of HS2-owned or managed assets arising from the HS2 Reset and the repositioning of how the programme manages its asset portfolio. This will include land management, security fencing, environmental and landscape maintenance, and associated works.
If you're considering bidding, contact Thornton & Lowe. Our specialists can quickly assess whether this opportunity aligns with your capabilities and goals. You can also explore our overview of landscaping and grounds maintenance tenders for useful context on how this sector bids into major infrastructure contracts.
What the HS2 Reset Means for This Framework
It is important to understand the context. The HS2 Reset followed the government’s October 2023 decision to cancel the northern legs of HS2 beyond the West Midlands and refocus the programme around Phase 1 between London and the West Midlands. That has left HS2 Ltd managing a substantial portfolio of assets, including land, environmental mitigation areas and sites that still require maintenance, safeguarding and management.
This is what the IMC framework exists to address. The scope is broad and diverse: suppliers may find themselves managing woodland, embankments, drainage features, fencing lines, environmental planting, and community boundary interfaces across a wide geographic footprint. It is not a traditional construction or landscaping framework. Instead, it is a long-term asset stewardship contract, and bids should reflect that.
Why This Framework Matters
- Scale and longevity: Over £1.24bn across more than a decade provides exceptional pipeline security for appointed suppliers.
- Diverse workload: The variety of asset types and site conditions means suppliers with multi-disciplinary grounds and maintenance capability are well-positioned.
- Reputational value: HS2 Ltd is one of the UK's most scrutinised public sector clients. A strong track record here opens doors across the major infrastructure sector.
- Programme flexibility: As the HS2 portfolio continues to evolve, suppliers must be able to adapt their mobilisation and resource allocation in response to changes: a key criterion for the client.
Bidding Considerations
The lot structure has not yet been confirmed at this stage. Suppliers should monitor the notice closely and be ready to tailor their response when full details emerge. In the meantime, focus preparation on the following areas:
- Asset breadth: HS2's managed estate is highly varied. Position your expertise across the likely range of asset types, from ecological buffer zones to security fencing lines and managed access routes.
- Environmental credentials: Many HS2-managed sites carry ecological sensitivities. Evidence of working to environmental management plans, ecological mitigation requirements, and relevant accreditations (such as ISO 14001) will strengthen your submission.
- Long-term contract management: Demonstrate your track record on complex, long-term public sector contracts with demanding reporting and compliance requirements.
- Flexibility and scalability: HS2 Ltd will want to see how you adapt when asset lists change. Prepare evidence of responsive mobilisation and contract variation management.
Quick facts
- Buyer: High Speed Two (HS2) Limited
- Value: £1,240,800,000 including VAT
- Estimated duration: 10 years, 5 months
- Estimated tender publication: 13 November 2026
- Notice: View on Find a Tender
Given the November 2026 estimated tender date, there is time to prepare, but suppliers who start now will be in a far stronger position than those who wait. Get in touch with Thornton & Lowe's bid experts for a strategic review of your credentials against this opportunity.
