YPO is to launch a £5bn framework for major public-sector construction and refurbishment projects, with civils, landscaping and associated site infrastructure included where required.
Procured by Pagabo on YPO’s behalf, the National Framework for Major Works 2026 is scheduled to run from 19 October 2026 to 19 October 2030. It covers projects valued at £5m and above across the UK.
Highways connection is limited
The framework could be used for supporting works linked to wider schemes, such as site access, external infrastructure, landscaping and other civil engineering packages for new buildings, regeneration projects and major refurbishments.
However, the framework does not announce a road programme or guarantee a pipeline of highways work. YPO’s separate Civil Engineering, Infrastructure and Enabling Works framework has a specific infrastructure remit, including highways.
The Major Works framework instead covers a broader range of activity, including new-build projects, extensions, remodelling, retrofit, specialist fit-out, renovation and planned repairs.
Five value-based lots
The framework has five lots based on project value. The award notice records five collaborative partner appointments, 48 appointments for projects worth £5m to £15m, 32 for projects from £15m to £30m, 15 for projects from £30m to £60m, and 14 for projects above £60m.
These figures total 99 lot appointments rather than 99 individual contractors, as suppliers may be appointed to more than one lot. The five collaborative partners are BAM, Graham, Morgan Sindall, Robertson and Wates.
The collaborative partner lot has an estimated value of £1.25bn including VAT. The other lots are valued at £750m for £5m to £15m projects, £1.1bn for £15m to £30m, £1.3bn for £30m to £60m, and £600m for projects above £60m.
YPO says the collaborative partners will support early contractor involvement, digital delivery, innovation and environmental, social and economic outcomes. They have a direct appointment route as well as access to further competitions.
Regional coverage and procurement timetable
Appointments are divided by region. The collaborative partner lot includes three appointments covering England and Wales, one for Scotland and one for Northern Ireland, while the other lots are allocated across regional areas or, for the largest projects, the four UK nations.
Appointment therefore applies to the relevant lot and geography rather than automatically providing UK-wide coverage. It also enables suppliers to compete for, or receive, relevant call-off work without guaranteeing a workload.
The stated £5bn framework value, including VAT, is a ceiling or estimated total across the framework rather than the value of work already awarded.
The procurement was conducted under the Procurement Act 2023. YPO’s award decision was made on 2 October 2026, with the standstill period due to end on 13 October. The earliest contract-signing date is given as 16 October, ahead of the planned framework start on 19 October.