Wessex Water names capital delivery partners for £3.7bn AMP8 plans

The framework agreements start immediately and could be in place for up to 11 years, covering both AMP8 and AMP9. The works will be delivered across Wessex Water’s region which includes Dorset, Somerset, Bristol as well as parts of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Hampshire.

Its AMP8 design and build project partners are Mott MacDonald Bentley, Kier Integrated Services, Galliford Try Construction and Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure.

Providing design consultancy services to Wessex Water during AMP8 will be Aecom, AtkinsRéalis UK, Stantec UK, Mott MacDonald, Pell Frischmann Consultants, Sweco UK and GHD.

For mechanical and electrical works, Kier Integrated Services, Galliford Try Construction, Bridges (Electrical Engineers), Trant Engineering and OCU Utility Services have been appointed.

Wessex Water’s civils works during AMP8 will be carried out by Envolve Infrastructure, Mott MacDonald Bentley, Kier Integrated Services and Knights Brown Construction.

The water company says its framework agreements “have been designed to encourage a collaborative, flexible and agile approach that will be required as the industry grapples with an £88bn investment programme across the country”.

Wessex Water says that alongside traditional ‘grey’ construction projects it is “continuing to innovate and have greater focus on alternative solutions – including its commitment to deliver 36 nature-based solutions to treat ground influent storm overflows”.

The water company’s assets include 35,000km of sewers, 12,000km of water mains, 231 water sources and treatment centres, 310 service reservoirs and towers, 2,200 sewage pumping stations and 400 water recycling centres.

Wessex Water engineering and delivery director says the appointments “will enable a much wider reach for the delivery, training, development, secondments and apprenticeships across the partnership for a programme that is more than double the size of our AMP7 (2020-25) commitments”.

Reaction to appointments

Kier managing director, water Andy Lingham said: “Kier has a long-standing history of delivering successful projects in the water sector across the South West, and we look forward to enhancing our regional portfolio with the appointment to the Capital Delivery Partner Framework.

“We’re looking forward to working collaboratively with our framework partners and alongside Wessex Water as they continue to provide an essential public service, tackle the climate emergency, support communities, and contribute to the growth of the UK economy, through AMP8 and beyond.”

Aecom Water chief executive Beverley Stinson said: “As UK utilities accelerate their AMP8 investments, we’re proud to take the leading role in Wessex Water’s next round of capital improvements, which will deliver a new generation of sustainable water projects. Our team’s success on major modernization programs has established us as the industry’s leading water firm across the globe, and that expertise will prepare us to meet our target of doubling our water business organically over the next five years.”

Galliford Try chief executive Bill Hocking commented: “We are delighted to be working with our partners at Wessex Water to assist it in delivering its plans for AMP8. The significant increase in activity anticipated in the water sector is a key part of our Sustainable Growth Strategy, and we look forward to delivering for Wessex Water's customers and stakeholders.”

GHD UK market leader, water John Hensman said: “This programme marks a significant milestone as the UK water sector promises unprecedented environmental investment over the next five years. We look forward to working with Wessex Water to deliver lasting community benefits. This contract win reflects GHD’s technical and design expertise, aimed at improving the quality of life for customers and local residents alike.”

Morgan Sindall Infrastructure managing director Simon Smith said: “I’m delighted with this award, it is great to be able to develop a new relationship with Wessex Water and increase our footprint across the regions, building on our long-term collaborative relationships in a growing sector for us.”

Earlier this year NCE spoke to Wessex Water chief operating officer for sustainable operations and engineering John Thompson about the challenges of delivering AMP8.

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