AtkinsRéalis and Arcadis, working together in a 50:50 joint venture, have been appointed by Network Rail to support the design of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), the Integrated Rail Plan (IRP), Network North, and the Enhancements Portfolio within Network Rail Eastern region. The appointment reinforces the position of both companies as key partners in shaping the future of rail infrastructure, building connectivity and capacity, and supporting economic growth across the UK.
The AtkinsRéalis and Arcadis joint venture is one of four suppliers on the five-year, £300 million development and design partnership framework (DDPF), which includes potential extensions for a further three years. The framework will deliver multi-disciplinary design and engineering services for these major rail programmes across all disciplines, from outline scheme feasibility to detailed design for construction, and incorporating modelling and benchmarking tools to optimise decision-making and ensure the highest levels of efficiency.
Arcadis and AtkinsRéalis will leverage their combined expertise in transport planning, technical advisory, and data-driven design to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that ultimately drive value and support long-term growth.
Colette Carroll, AtkinsRéalis managing director – transportation, UK & Ireland, said: “Designing transformative rail is a significant opportunity to lay the groundwork for new economic growth and prosperity. These major rail programmes across the North of England will improve connections between businesses and people with faster journeys and more reliable services.
“This appointment builds on our long-standing contribution to Northern Powerhouse Rail, having supported the programme’s development since its early stages. Together with our partners Arcadis, we look forward to continuing our involvement and applying our multi-disciplinary expertise to help realise this ambitious vision.”
Paul Dennett, Arcadis managing director – mobility, UK & Ireland, added: “We know that delivering an efficient, well-managed rail service is critical for Network Rail, but investment must also support broader economic growth and social mobility. Our role in early-stage project development will help define service patterns, requirements, and outputs that shape the railway of tomorrow, ensuring that every investment decision maximises value.
“By combining our expertise in transport advisory, digital innovation, and sustainable design, we will deliver solutions that not only enhance connectivity and capacity but also drive economic opportunity, regional development, and environmental benefits. Rail infrastructure must work harder than ever to support government priorities and investment choices, helping to create a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready transport network.”
The framework will support the delivery of Northern Powerhouse Rail, which aims to dramatically improve east-west connectivity across northern England, connecting Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds through new and upgraded rail infrastructure.
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