National Highways Limited has launched pre-market engagement for a major new framework covering construction and professional services across its estate. The Estates Construction Projects (Professional Services & Construction Contracts) framework carries a total estimated value of £199.2 million including VAT over eight years, making this one of the most significant construction procurement opportunities in the public sector right now.
The framework will support a consistent programme of works across National Highways' estate: maintenance depots, traffic officer outstations, and office fit-out and refurbishment projects. If you provide building construction or professional services, whether as a main contractor, specialist subcontractor, project manager, or cost consultant, this opportunity is worth close attention.
Weighing up whether to bid? Contact Thornton & Lowe for a straight-talking assessment of your suitability and a clear view of what engagement at this stage should look like. You can also read our guide to framework agreements if you're new to this procurement route.
What Does the Framework Cover?
Led by the Estates and Facilities Division of National Highways, this framework is designed to deliver ongoing construction activity across a varied estate. Rather than a single project type, it encompasses multiple disciplines under one agreement:
- Maintenance depot construction and refurbishment
- Traffic officer outstation works
- Office fit-out and refurbishment
- Associated professional services (likely to include design, surveying, project management, and contract administration)
The scope and lot structure will be shaped at least in part by supplier feedback during the current pre-market engagement phase. This means organisations that respond now have a genuine opportunity to influence how the framework is structured, including potential lot division and regional coverage.
Who Should Be Interested?
Despite the framework sitting within a roads and highways context, the underlying works are firmly estate-based: buildings, depots, and offices rather than carriageway or civils work. The most relevant businesses are:
- Building contractors with experience in occupied or operational sites
- Fit-out and refurbishment specialists
- Construction consultants: project managers, quantity surveyors, CDM coordinators, and architects
- Multi-disciplinary firms capable of supporting varied estate types concurrently
Breadth matters here. The varied programme of works means providers who can demonstrate flexibility, across different building types and operational constraints, will be well placed.
Key Details at a Glance
- Contracting authority: National Highways Limited
- Total estimated value: £199,200,000 (including VAT)
- Duration: 8 years
- Scope: Building construction and professional services for maintenance depots, traffic officer outstations, and office works
- Current stage: Pre-market engagement (not yet a live tender)
- Market Engagement Questionnaire: Available via SharePoint from 8 May 2026
- Find a Tender notice: View the official notice here
How to Approach the Pre-Market Engagement Stage
Pre-market engagement is not just an admin exercise. It is a genuine chance to shape a significant procurement. Here's what to prioritise now:
- Register and access the questionnaire via the SharePoint link when it goes live on 8 May 2026
- Respond substantively: share your genuine views on scope, lotting, and delivery models. National Highways uses this input directly
- Document your estate portfolio: gather evidence of comparable works (depots, operational facilities, office refurbishments) that you can reference in your eventual bid
- Assess supply chain: the breadth of works may favour consortia or subcontract arrangements; consider your model early
Always refer to the official Find a Tender notice for the latest updates. The requirements and lot structure may evolve before the formal tender is published.
The eight-year value and strategic national importance of this framework make it a rare, long-term opportunity for building contractors and professional services firms. If you'd like expert support navigating the engagement phase or preparing for the formal bid when it launches, get in touch with the Thornton & Lowe team. We have a proven track record supporting suppliers through exactly these kinds of complex, high-value framework routes.
