Hampshire County Council has started tendering to appoint a fresh line-up of contractors for its fifth-generation civils and highways framework covering the south of England.

The council is the lead procurement body for the framework, which will come into force next year, and could see a spend of up to £500m over the four-year term.

Among incumbent contractors set to fight to retain places are: Dyer and Butler; Eurovia UK; Farrans; Jackson Civil Engineering; Graham;  Kier; Knights Brown Construction and R&W Civil Engineering.

The lotting structure will be split by value to allow smaller firms to take part for jobs of up to £350,000 while also including a major project lot across the region for projects up to £25m

Firms need to return tender documents by 3 July.

Click here to express an interest in bidding.