Avove begins work on Northumbrian Water’s £13 million pipeline scheme

Avove has commenced work on a £13 million scheme for Northumbrian Water that will support environmental improvements across the North East.

The project comprises a new 3.5km pipeline linking Northumbrian Water’s Sedgeletch Sewage Treatment Works, between Bournmoor and New Herrington, to the River Wear. The scheme includes a new pumping station within the treatment works, underground pipework and a new treated water discharge point at the river.

Once complete, the new pipeline will transfer treated water that is currently discharged into the Herrington Burn to the River Wear. Moving the discharge point will help protect the burn, while the larger river will provide greater dilution and dispersion as the treated water returns to the environment.

The scheme will integrate new civil, mechanical and electrical infrastructure, including pumping, transfer and outfall assets, creating a modern and resilient effluent transfer route designed to support long-term environmental compliance and reliable operation of the treatment works. Construction is expected to be completed in March 2027.

The project represents the first of three planned environmental improvement projects in the area as part of Northumbrian Water’s wider investment programme.

Drawing on our expertise in water infrastructure, the scheme will deliver a new pumping station, pipeline and discharge point that supports Northumbrian Water’s wider programme of environmental investment.

Colin Butler, Framework Director at Avove, said: “As Northumbrian Water’s delivery partner, we are proud to be delivering a project that will provide long-term environmental benefits for local communities and watercourses.

“Drawing on our expertise in water infrastructure, the scheme will deliver a new pumping station, pipeline and discharge point that supports Northumbrian Water’s wider programme of environmental investment. We look forward to working closely with the local community and stakeholders as construction progresses.”

Christopher Bond, Project Manager at Northumbrian Water, said: “This work in the Sedgeletch area is part of a £1.7bn investment in work that will benefit the environment, being carried out across a five-year period to 2030. Local projects like this all come together to make a big difference for our region and we know they are important to communities across the North East.”

The project forms part of Avove’s ongoing partnership with Northumbrian Water to deliver infrastructure improvements that protect the environment and enhance water quality for local communities and waterways.