Four partners have been selected to join Network Rail’s Works Delivery team to deliver the southern region’s up to £9bn estimated renewals portfolio over the next 10 years.

The partners will be VolkerFitzpatrick for buildings and civils, Octavius for electrification and plant, VolkerRail for track and Atkins for signalling, and will cover Control Period 7 (2024-2029) and Control Period 8 (2029-2034).

Work is underway deciding the renewals budget for CP7 as Network Rail works to agree a final settlement with the regulator.

The alliance, known as Southern Integrated Delivery (SID), will be part of a new enterprise model based on the Institution of Civil Engineers’ Project 13 principles, developed following significant cross-industry consultation over the last two and a half years.

The southern region, along with the SID, aims to make a transformational change in how renewals work is delivered by merging the capabilities of Network Rail and its supply chain. The SID will make the best use of resources, maximise efficiencies and be collectively incentivised to deliver value for tax-payers and the right outcomes for passengers, freight and railway funders.

Ellie Burrows, managing director for Network Rail’s southern region, said: “The rail industry has consistently demonstrated that when it comes together, it can do amazing things – this transformational step will bring all those ingredients together for the long-term delivery of renewals and make a tangible difference to passengers and freight-users alike.”

James Hindes, managing director of VolkerFitzpatrick, said: “Our multi-disciplinary expertise, and collaborative approach will ensure the safe and efficient delivery of the portfolio, while considering the needs of rail users and local communities. Our teams are excited to be part of these works that will create a more resilient and futureproof railway for all.”

John Dowsett, CEO of Octavius Infrastructure, said: “This award recognises the expertise that we have developed in expanding our infrastructure transport solutions to safely delivering electrification outcomes that are centred on putting passengers first.”

Steve Cocliff, managing director of VolkerRail, said: “This achievement is a testament to our total commitment to collaborative working, the strength and quality of our teams and our extensive experience in track renewals.”

Richard Robinson, CEO of Atkins UK and Europe, said: “This is a tremendous win which adds to our alliance portfolio and reaffirms our position as a leading programme integrator on complex, major infrastructure projects.”