The utility is seeking up to two Tier 1 design and construction partners to take on major water and water recycling projects under a new long-term framework running initially from July 2026 to July 2031, with an option to extend to 2036.

The procurement for the framework, previously called the Major Infrastructure Delivery Framework in earlier consultations, covers early contractor involvement, full design, construction and commissioning across Anglian’s operating regions in the East of England, East Midlands and North East.

Each framework partner will be expected to deliver the full end-to-end scope, including managing its own supply chain ecosystem, as Anglian looks to streamline delivery and improve commercial control on complex capital schemes.

The framework has an estimated value of £1.5bn and will be used for major works across both water and wastewater business streams. Call-offs may be made with or without further competition.

The move follows Anglian’s decision to shift away from its historic multi-contractor alliance model towards a smaller number of integrated Tier 1 partners capable of scaling delivery as regulatory and environmental pressures intensify.

Selected Tier 1 delivery partners will operate under the more commercial approach in parallel with its existing Strategic Pipeline Alliance, @one and Integrated Operational Solutions alliances.

The first wave of water discharge improvement work for the new Tier 1 partner in AMP8 will focus on a £450m programme of Coastal Waters Improvement projects.

Ten programme packages – ranging from £15m to £80m – will deliver more than 55 individual schemes, spanning grey and green civils, new process technology and expanded storage to tackle storm overflows, sea-level pressures and growth hotspots.

Early enhancement projects currently in the pipeline include:

• Great Yarmouth – £70m
• Southend – £100m
• Kings Lynn – £70m
• Boston – £30m

The commercial partner model will launch under NEC4 Option C with open-book pricing, gainshare and incentive mechanisms.

Anglian has also reserved the right to expand the framework scope during its life, including adding new geographic areas and adopting emerging technologies in response to changing programme needs.

Quality will account for 60% of the evaluation score, with price weighted at 40%.

Requests to participate close on 4 March 2026, with framework awards expected in July.

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