Scope
Description
Assessments of Newton Heath's current capacity and capabilities show significant constraints that would prevent the planned timetable for new trains being achieved. 5 key issues have been identified and this project is proposed to evaluate the feasibility and define the optimum option to resolve these issues. This lays the foundation for future design and construction projects to be established upon completion of this feasibility and option selection project.
In order to identify the optimum solution to address the issues identified at Newton Heath above, a feasibility and option selection project is required. An external supplier will be procured to produce the following deliverables:
Survey strategy and reports from specific surveys.
Risks, issues, assumptions, and dependencies log.
Compliance with safety and design assurance requirements.
Overall feasibility report including constructability assessment and concept design.
Options identification report containing appraisal of possible options.
Single option agreement in principle - define the preferred single option for each scheme and obtain agreement in principle with stakeholders.
Preliminary design - multidisciplinary design of the selected single option.
Design specification of requirements for inclusion in the ITT pack for design stage.
Northern Trains Ltd, is a Train Operating Company (TOC) that operates passenger rail services in the north of England. Northern Trains Ltd is publishing this notice to establish a contract with a single supplier to carry out a feasibility study on Newton Heath Depot.
The nature of the arrangement is that services will be supplied under a JCT Consultancy Agreement.
Where used throughout this notice, the meaning of Train Operating Companies includes all and any of those train operating companies who, currently or in the future, provide services for the carriage of passengers by railway:
under a franchise agreement with the Secretary of State within the meaning of section 23(3) of the Railways Act 1993 or under, or secured under, the Secretary of State's duty in section 30(1) of the Railways Act 1993; or
in accordance with legislation which supersedes or amends the powers referred to in a) and b), including where such powers are transferred from the Secretary of State to another body.
The list of current providers of services for the carriage of passengers by railway under these provisions can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-register-of-rail-passenger-contracts.
Novation or Assignment
The contract may be novated or assigned by Northern Trains Ltd to Train Operating Companies, or to DFT Operator Limited (company number: 07141122) or any successor parent company to a Train Operating Company, following a corporate restructuring or similar circumstance.
Other Information
Northern Trains Limited expressly reserves the right: not to award any suppliers the contract referred to in this notice; and in no circumstances will the customer be liable for any costs incurred by the suppliers.
Contract 1. Newton Heath RSS Feasibility
Supplier
Contract value
- £287,481.46 excluding VAT
- £344,978.95 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
6 February 2026
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
6 February 2026
Standstill period
- End: 18 February 2026
- 8 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
2 March 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 3 March 2026 to 3 September 2026
- Possible extension to 3 December 2026
- 9 months, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
Can be extended for an optional 3 months if required.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 71311230 - Railway engineering services
- 79314000 - Feasibility study
Contract locations
- UKD3 - Greater Manchester
Information about tenders
- 9 tenders received
- 9 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 1 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 8 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Utilities
Supplier
SABLE LEIGH CONSULTANCY LIMITED
- Companies House: 07007876
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXCN-2719-CWJY
4 Brindley Place
Birmingham
B1 2JB
United Kingdom
Email: businessdevelopment@slcrail.com
Website: http://slcrail.com
Region: UKG31 - Birmingham
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Newton Heath RSS Feasibility
Contracting authority
NORTHERN TRAINS LIMITED
- Companies House: 03076444
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZCJ-2164-HJQZ
George Stephenson House
York
YO1 6JT
United Kingdom
Region: UKE21 - York
Organisation type: Public authority - central government