Up to eight companies will be invited onto the framework to build new sports pitches across England worth up to £15m.

Sport England said: “We are seeking to modernise our approach to how we distribute the lottery funds by establishing a number of framework agreements with a supply chain of providers who will contract with successful lottery fund applicants.

“Sport England can see real benefits in efficiencies and cost reductions this approach can deliver through economies of scale, reduced administration, reduced timescales for project delivery and raising quality of provision.

“Sport England wishes to select contractors to undertake the construction or the design and construction of artificial grass sports pitches, multi use games areas, outdoor court surfaces and other synthetic sports surfaces including the associated sub-structure works and drainage, etc. in locations across England.

“This will include modernisations, improvements and upgrades to existing facilities.

“The facilities will be for a range of different sports, and competition levels. Fencing and any associated groundworks will also be required.”

Contractors interested in the four-year framework must submit tender requests by April 24. More bidding information is available at http://www.pickeverard.co.uk/pqq/sport-england/outdoor_surfaces/