Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council has announced a significant step forward in its infrastructure development with a £20 million highways improvement framework. This initiative, known as the Active Oldham Strategic Partnership Agreement, is poised to enhance civil engineering construction across north east Greater Manchester, offering substantial opportunities for regional contractors.
What Happened
Oldham Council has issued a pipeline notice for an ambitious £20 million highways improvement framework. This framework, titled the Active Oldham Strategic Partnership Agreement, is intended to cover a variety of civil engineering construction works. It will operate under an NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract arrangement, projected to run from April 2027 to March 2031, with the possibility of an extension to March 2035. At this stage, the framework is valued at £20 million excluding VAT, or £24 million including VAT.
The council is currently in the pipeline stage of procurement, emphasizing that the opportunity is pending internal governance and approvals. No formal tender has been issued yet, and contractors are not required to respond at this point. The procurement route has not been finalized, with potential changes possible before the tender notice is published. A formal tender notice is expected to be released on July 1, 2026.
Why It Matters for the AECM Industry
This framework is crucial for the AECM industry as it promises a robust commercial vehicle for future highways and civil engineering projects. It could significantly impact project timelines and budgets in the region, offering a stable pipeline of work for local firms. Notably, the framework is designed to be accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enhancing opportunities for regional contractors and supply chain partners. This inclusivity could foster competitive dynamics and stimulate local economic growth, aligning with broader sustainability and regional development goals.
For project managers and contractors, this framework represents a chance to engage in long-term projects that could drive innovation and efficiency in highway construction. The potential incorporation of goods and services procurement alongside construction activities further broadens the scope and impact of this initiative.
What's Next
Industry professionals should keep a close watch on the upcoming formal tender notice expected on July 1, 2026. This announcement will provide greater clarity on the procurement process and allow interested parties to prepare their proposals. Stakeholders should also monitor any changes to the procurement route and internal approvals that could influence the framework's final structure.
Source: https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/oldham-council-set-to-launch-20m-highways-framework-26-05-2026/. Read the original story ->
