This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

07 Jul 2026 at 17:46

Tender

05 Sep 2025 at 15:43

Summary of the contracting process

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited successfully awarded a contract for architect services in the redevelopment of Oxford Station and its surrounding area, a significant part of the Oxford Station Masterplan. This process, under contract ID 063870-2026, progressed from initiation to award stage with Hawkins Brown Architecture Limited selected as the lead architect. The contract was awarded on 7 July 2026, with services commencing on 20 July 2026 and running until 19 June 2029, with an option for a six-month extension. The procurement adopted a competitive flexible procedure under the open procurement method, designed to encourage optimal participation and maximise value. The procurement falls under the utilities special regime, with the contract encompassing both phases of development subject to Network Rail’s discretion for Phase 2, aligning with the legal basis set by the Procurement Act 2023.

This opportunity represents a substantial growth avenue for businesses specializing in architecture, planning, and engineering services, particularly those attuned to large-scale public infrastructure projects. The project aims to transform Oxford Station into a pivotal national rail hub, integrating sustainable features and contributing to the local ecosystem. SMEs with experience in master planning, coordination of multidisciplinary teams, and adherence to high sustainability standards could find this tender particularly advantageous. Additionally, leveraging existing collaborations with specialists can offer a competitive edge given the comprehensive scope that spans public space planning, transport integration, and coordination with multiple stakeholders, underpinned by Network Rail's commitment to best practice ESG standards.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Oxford - Architect Services

Notice Description

Network Rail is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced architectural practice to lead the design and planning application for the redevelopment of Oxford Station and its surrounding area. This commission forms a critical part of the Oxford Station Masterplan, which aims to deliver a new vision for the station environment, supporting Oxford's growth as a national rail hub and global innovation centre. Scope of Services: * Masterplanning: Develop and evolve previous scheme proposals to create a new, mixed-use masterplan that maximises value, integrates operational railway requirements, and aligns with Oxford City's development and regeneration aspirations. * Design Leadership: Act as lead architect for the masterplan, coordinating with specialist consultants and stakeholders to deliver a comprehensive design solution, including station entrances, public realm, multi-storey car park, cycle hub, offices, life sciences, hotel, and residential elements. * Planning Application: Prepare and submit a detailed planning application for Phase 1, including all necessary supporting documents, reports, and stakeholder engagement as required by the local planning authority. * Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Network Rail, train operating companies, and other key stakeholders throughout the design and planning process. * Sustainability: Embed best practice in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives, targeting high levels of certification (e.g., BREEAM, WELL, NABERS, BNG, embodied carbon). Key Deliverables: * A new illustrative masterplan for the Oxford Station area, including phasing and delivery strategy. * RIBA Stage 2+ design report for the first phase of development. * Full planning application for Phase 1, including all required technical and supporting documentation. * Coordination and integration of specialist inputs (e.g., transport, sustainability, heritage, engineering). * Ongoing design and technical support through the planning determination period. The contract will be let under the NR26 NEC4 Professional Service Short Contract (PSSC). The scope of this procurement covers the development of the Oxford Station Masterplan and the delivery of a detailed planning application for Phase 1. Phase 2 services are entirely optional and may not be instructed. Any extension to include Phase 2 will be subject to separate approval and explicit instruction by Network Rail. The estimated total value and contract term stated in this notice is inclusive of both Phase 1 and the optional Phase 2. Full details of the scope, deliverables, and requirements are provided in the procurement documents within the tender Pack.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Options: This contract includes an option for Network Rail to extend the scope of services to cover Phase 2 of the Oxford Station Masterplan. The circumstances and scope of this option are as follows: Phase 2 (Optional Extension): Network Rail reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to instruct the appointed architect to undertake further services relating to Phase 2 of the masterplan. Scope of Phase 2: This may include additional design development, planning application(s), and related architectural services for subsequent phases of the Oxford Station redevelopment, as set out in the Schedule of Services and Deliverables. * Circumstances for Use: The option to proceed with Phase 2 will only be exercised if Network Rail issues a formal instruction to the supplier. There is no guarantee that Phase 2 will be invoked. * Value: If exercised, the contract value may be increased up to a total of PS2.15m to reflect the additional services required for Phase 2.

Renewal: The contract may be extended at Network Rail's sole discretion to include services for Phase 2 of the Oxford Station Masterplan. Phase 2 is entirely optional and may not be instructed. If exercised, the extension would cover up to an additional 12 months of services. The extension will only be used if Network Rail issues a formal instruction to the supplier.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-059530
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/063870-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services


CPV Codes

71000000 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

71200000 - Architectural and related services

71220000 - Architectural design services

71221000 - Architectural services for buildings

71240000 - Architectural, engineering and planning services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,900,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,900,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
£2,150,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 Jul 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
10 Oct 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
7 Jul 20261 months ago
Contract Period
20 Jul 2026 - 19 Jun 2029 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SE1 8SW
Postcode Area
South East London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI45 Lambeth
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Lambeth
Electoral Ward
Waterloo & South Bank
Westminster Constituency
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

Hawkins Brown Architecture Limited

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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