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Fortwilliam and York Road Train Wash Replacements

Translink · Public undertaking

In brief

Translink has announced plans to buy this contract. This is an early notice: there is nothing to bid on yet, but it tells you a tender may follow.

It is a framework worth up to £3,500,000 excluding VAT: the most the buyer expects to spend across all suppliers, not one contract.

The contract runs for 5 years, up to 8 years with extensions, starting 2 February 2027.

The buyer says it is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.

Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.

Can I win this?

Competition

Typical: a median of 4.5 bids per contract for this buyer (from 18 awards in the last 12 months).

Framework

Winning puts you on a list of suppliers the buyer can call on; it does not guarantee work. The £3,500,000 is the most the buyer expects to spend across all suppliers over the framework's life, not one contract.

What the notice says

Northern Ireland Railways Company Ltd (NI Railways) is seeking information from qualified and experienced suppliers for the design, manufacture, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning of replacement Train Wash systems at two operational rail maintenance facilities in Belfast: Fortwilliam Train Care Facility and York Road Depot. The project will replace existing train wash systems that have reached the end of their operational life and no longer provide the required cleaning performance. The new installations will support current and future NI Railways rolling stock, including the forthcoming Stadler FLIRT Enterprise fleet. The anticipated scope of works will include, but is not…Read the full description
Northern Ireland Railways Company Ltd (NI Railways) is seeking information from qualified and experienced suppliers for the design, manufacture, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning of replacement Train Wash systems at two operational rail maintenance facilities in Belfast: Fortwilliam Train Care Facility and York Road Depot. The project will replace existing train wash systems that have reached the end of their operational life and no longer provide the required cleaning performance. The new installations will support current and future NI Railways rolling stock, including the forthcoming Stadler FLIRT Enterprise fleet. The anticipated scope of works will include, but is not limited to: Design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of a new bi-directional Train Wash system at Fortwilliam Train Care Facility. Design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of a new Train Wash system at York Road Depot. Decommissioning and removal of the existing Train Wash systems and associated equipment at both locations. Verification of existing foundations, drainage systems, utilities and structures to confirm suitability for reuse. Adaptation and preparation of existing wash pads and plant rooms to accommodate new equipment. Installation of associated mechanical, electrical, control and compressed air systems. Provision of PLC-based control systems, safety systems, train detection equipment and operator interfaces. Testing, commissioning, operator training and handover of the completed installations. Provision of documentation, manuals, software licences, spare parts support and warranty services. Ongoing technical support and spare parts availability for a minimum period of five years following installation. The Train Wash systems shall be capable of accommodating various NI Railways fleets including CAF Class 3000 and Class 4000 units, the existing Enterprise fleet and the future Stadler FLIRT Enterprise fleet. Works will be undertaken within live operational railway depots and may require suppliers to coordinate with Translink representatives, Principal Designers and specialist contractors while maintaining safe railway operations throughout delivery and installation. Suppliers should demonstrate relevant experience in rail infrastructure, depot-based construction activities, mechanical and electrical installations, and safe working within operational railway environments.

How to bid

  1. Read the full notice on Find a Tender, including any tender documents it links to.
  2. Register your organisation on the Central Digital Platform (through Find a Tender) if you have not already. Suppliers need to be registered to take part in procurements under the Procurement Act 2023.
  3. Follow the submission instructions in the notice; it does not name an e-tendering portal.

Timeline

  1. Preliminary market engagement notice · UK2, notice 087004-2026

About the buyer

TranslinkLast 12 months

Procurements

68

Awards

36

Suppliers it has used most

From notice 087004-2026 on Find a Tender, first published 14 September 2026. We last checked for changes on 28 September 2026.