Trafford Council, a local authority in Greater Manchester, UK, has issued an open procedure tender notice (2025/S 000-077436) under the Procurement Act 2023, published on November 26, 2025, seeking a strategic Heat Network Development Partner to spearhead the design, investment, construction, operation, and management of the ambitious Trafford Civic Quarter Heat Network and the broader North Trafford heat zone. This initiative is bolstered by the UK Government's Advanced Zoning Programme and Green Heat Network Fund, aiming to deliver sustainable, low-carbon heating solutions in line with national decarbonization goals. The contract, valued at an estimated £1.4 billion excluding VAT (£1.68 billion including), encompasses engineering design services (CPV code 71320000) and is slated to commence on June 15, 2026, with an initial one-year term ending June 15, 2027, alongside a parallel development agreement from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.

Bidders, who must meet standard eligibility criteria under the open procedure including a conflicts assessment, are required to submit electronic tenders in English via https://www.the-chest.org.uk/ (DN reference DN789896) by noon on March 4, 2026, with clarification questions accepted until noon on January 28, 2026; evaluation will weigh technical merit (45%), commercial pricing (35%), and social value contributions (20%), with an anticipated award decision by May 27, 2026. Full tender documents and further details are accessible through the ProContract portal at the specified link, inviting qualified organizations to participate in this transformative public-private partnership for regional energy infrastructure.