The water company is anticipating that AMP8 will be the largest investment programme it has ever undertaken.

The current frameworks used for engineering, design and construction services have been in place for almost 10 years and expire on 31 March 2025.

The new arrangements will offer the option of running for AMP9. In parallel to this procurement process, Southern Water is working up its plans for PR24 – including working with regulators and stakeholders to confirm the investment that will be available, and the capital delivery projects that will need to be undertaken.

Southern Water aims to set up a collaborative framework to deliver low-complexity infrastructure design and build schemes.

It is split into two lots one for water treatment works totalling £294m and one for wastewater works totalling just over £400m.

The partners will help Southern Water to provide engineering capability and expertise to: identify and develop options in accordance with technical and engineering standards for all aspects of water and wastewater systems.

This is intended to be used for routine asset replacement works which require limited design, and can be readily packaged.

Firms have until 5 June to submit PQQS which are available from the procurement portal.

Invitation to tender for places on a framework covering pipeline distribution networks worth up to £900m will be published on 9 May.