London Underground is to establish up to nine supplier frameworks to support its programme of capital works.

The frameworks, part of the Vendor Capital Programme announced last week, will not affect PPP and PFI deals.

They will be part of an additional £2.8bn of investment for work not covered by PPPs, including station upgrades and accessibility schemes.

Tender invitations for the first two frameworks, major building works and major civil engineering works, are expected by July 2007.

London Underground will issue the remaining frameworks, which include minor construction and civils works, building refurbishment and project management, commercial and engineering consultancy services, in the next 12 to 18 months.