The engineering and environmental framework agreements are dependent on the Government supporting the initial proposed Phase Two route, which is expected this Autumn.

The engineering and environmental work needed to develop Phase 2 includes links from Birmingham to Manchester and to Leeds through the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, as well as a spur connection from the Phase 1 line to Heathrow.

The engineering work is expected to command total fees of up to £10m and the environmental element £12m-£30m.