HS2 launches market engagement for £1.24bn maintenance contracts
28 May 2026 By Harmsworth
HS2 has launched a market engagement exercise for a potential £1.24bn package of interim maintenance contracts linked to the high-speed rail programme.
The proposed contracts would cover routine repairs, maintenance and safeguarding of assets delivered under HS2’s main works civils contracts before the mobilisation of future rail systems contractors.
HS2 said the Interim Maintenance Contracts (IMCs) could run from December 2027 until the end of 2037. The estimated total value was put at £1.24bn including VAT.
The scope includes land management, environmental and landscape infrastructure maintenance, temporary facilities management and civil engineering infrastructure maintenance.
HS2 also said the contracts would cover security services, principal contractor duties and professional services. Optional elements could include landscape design, planted plot creation and localised civils works.
The procurement forms part of preparations for changes to the project’s delivery model following the government-backed HS2 reset programme.
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In the market engagement notice, HS2 said it wanted to assess supplier appetite, delivery structures and risk allocation ahead of a formal procurement process later this year.
The client said it was seeking feedback on potential consortium structures, specialist capabilities and commercial arrangements.
HS2 added that participation in the engagement exercise would not be a prerequisite for bidding in any future tender competition.
A tender notice is expected to be published in November 2026.
Source: Gov.uk Find a Tender
