Egis in the UK & Ireland has landed a major contract with Yorkshire Water, securing a place on its Technical Services and Assurance Framework. The appointment marks a significant milestone for the firm, reinforcing its water sector growth plans.  The multi-year contract will support Yorkshire Water’s Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8) investment programme, providing access to specialist engineering, asset management and technical assurance expertise to help deliver critical infrastructure improvements and strengthen long-term asset health across the region. Commencing on 1 July, Egis has been appointed to Lot 1 of the £80 million framework, which has been established to provide Yorkshire Water with specialist technical support as it delivers its AMP8 investment priorities. The contract will run until 2030, with options to extend for a further two years. Under Lot 1, which is worth a combined £12.7 million of the framework, Egis will provide project-level engineering and design services, including feasibility testing, optioneering and construction support. The work will span a range of disciplines including civil, mechanical and electrical design. The appointment further strengthens Egis’s growing presence in the water sector, building on its long-standing work with Uisce Éireann in Ireland, ongoing commitments with Severn Trent Water and involvement with major international water projects. Egis’s collaborative approach was a key factor in securing the appointment. The firm works closely with clients, partners and stakeholders from the earliest stages of project development, ensuring that priorities are aligned, challenges are addressed proactively, and solutions deliver shared outcomes for customers, communities and the environment. Through the framework, Egis will draw on its expertise in storm overflow mitigation, pollution reduction and asset health resilience, combining local knowledge with international best practice. This flexible and responsive approach will enable Yorkshire Water to access specialist capabilities as programme requirements evolve throughout AMP8. Michael Timmins, Director of Water at Egis in the UK, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Yorkshire Water to help deliver one of the water sector’s largest and most ambitious Asset Management Period programmes.  “This framework win represents an important milestone for Egis, and we look forward to bringing together expertise from across the UK, Ireland and our global network to support Yorkshire Water in improving asset health, enhancing environmental performance and delivering positive outcomes for customers.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Severn Trent Water is preparing to launch a pre-market engagement notice to initiate early engagement with the supply chain for a new generation of capital delivery framework(s), representing up to £25bn of investment over the next 8–15 years across the Midlands. The framework(s) will act as Severn Trent’s primary commercial and delivery vehicle, supporting the delivery of future regulatory outcomes across AMP9, AMP10 and AMP11, while providing a flexible platform to respond to evolving customer, environmental and resilience requirements. The programme forms part of England’s Big Upgrade: the largest investment in water and wastewater infrastructure for a generation. Through this investment, Severn Trent aims to improve resilience, meet growing demand, protect the environment and deliver better outcomes for customers and communities across the region. The notice forms part of Severn Trent’s ongoing procurement and market engagement activities in support of its previously communicated long-term investment programme and does not represent the announcement of additional investment. In parallel with the capital delivery framework procurement, Severn Trent will also be undertaking the Design Services tender process. This is a critical and integrated component of the overall project lifecycle, ensuring a joined-up approach to design, delivery and supply chain collaboration from project inception through to construction. Procurement is expected to commence in early 2027, with the framework(s) designed to engage a diverse range of partners; from major international contractors to regional and local SMEs; ensuring the capability, capacity and innovation required to deliver one of the most significant infrastructure investment programmes in the UK water sector. The framework(s) will be structured to support all AMP9 transition activities and associated expenditure, enabling continuity of delivery as Severn Trent moves between regulatory periods. The approach will also ensure that the majority of AMP8 investment continues to be delivered through incumbent partners, maintaining programme momentum, preserving critical capability, and providing stability for customers and the supply chain during the transition. As part of this engagement, potential partners will be invited to attend a dedicated market engagement event, where they can learn more about Severn Trent’s plans, pipeline and evolving commercial approach. Organisations will be able to express interest and follow updates via the pre-market engagement process. Severn Trent is keen to work collaboratively with the market to help shape its future delivery model, exploring approaches that support earlier supplier involvement, innovation, improved outcomes and long-term value creation for customers, communities and the environment. The new framework model will build on the success of Severn Trent’s existing delivery approach, strengthening long-term partnerships, encouraging early supplier involvement and advanced procurement, and supporting investment in skills, innovation and capacity across the region. Paul Baxter, Capital Delivery Director at Severn Trent, said: “This is a major opportunity for the market to partner with Severn Trent on one of the UK’s most ambitious water infrastructure programmes. We’ve achieved strong results with our existing partners, and we’re now looking to build on that success through a more integrated and collaborative delivery model that creates better outcomes for customers and communities. Through this framework, we are creating a long-term platform that will support delivery across AMP9, AMP10 and AMP11, while providing the flexibility, resilience and innovation needed to meet future challenges.” Daniel Foster, Head of Capital Commercial at Severn Trent, added: “Our ambition is to create a high-performing supplier ecosystem that combines the strengths of established partners with the innovation and capability of new market entrants. The framework will support the AMP8 to AMP9 transition, provide certainty for the supply chain and create opportunities for suppliers to invest in people, skills and innovation over the long term. We want this to be more than a procurement exercise. We want to create a platform for collaboration, regional growth and lasting value that delivers benefits for customers, communities and the wider Midlands economy.” The framework(s) will be structured to promote long-term strategic relationships, with performance, capability and capacity central to future work allocation, providing greater certainty for suppliers and supporting the development of regional skills and supply chain resilience. Through this programme, Severn Trent aims to deliver essential infrastructure while also creating lasting economic, environmental and social benefits across the Midlands. There will be UK2 notices issued to the market shortly, which will set out full details of the forthcoming market engagement day. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

United Utilities has appointed Barhale to deliver a key project to improve water quality in the Micker Brook at Bramhall, Stockport. The civil engineering, infrastructure and tunnelling specialist will construct a new detention tank at Bramhall Precinct car park to reduce the number of times the storm overflow operates into the brook, a tributary of the River Mersey. The shaft tank will intercept a sewer running into the existing Briarlands Combined Storm Overflow (CSO). The contract has been awarded as part of the largest investment in wastewater infrastructure in the North West for a century. United Utilities is investing £13bn to protect and enhance over 500km of rivers, lakes and bathing waters whilst safeguarding drinking water supplies for millions of customers. The site sits within an area with a high water table so Barhale and UU have collaborated closely to identify a suitable design solution. It includes diverting an 825mm diameter sewer running at 4m depth to allow construction of a 1,000m3 shaft tank using a 12.5m diameter segmented caisson sunk to an invert depth of 13.3m. Barhale will also carry out the MEICA fit out including new pumps in the shaft, control equipment kiosks, control panels, telemetry systems and incoming power supplies. A dual rising main will be connected to the network upstream of the CSO chamber. Nick Curtis, Regional Director – Northern Region, Barhale said: “The project presents some significant technical challenges because of the location and site conditions and we are pleased to continue supporting United Utilities as part of their wide reaching AMP8 investment programme. “We are already active across several aspects of the programme which are reinforcing the network’s ability to withstand storm events. They include constructing another smaller storm tank near this one in Cheadle and two more in Merseyside. “The investment is aiming to reduce spill rates to fewer than one-in-ten-year events. The completion of the Briarlands CSO programme will be an important step towards meeting United Utilities’ target of reducing spills from storm overflows by 60% before 2030.” Completion is scheduled for early summer 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Barhale has secured a major infrastructure contract from Thames Water to undertake essential refurbishment works at Ashford Common Water Treatment Works in Surrey, helping to safeguard one of the capital’s most important drinking water supplies for years to come. The project will see Barhale reline a key abstraction tunnel that forms part of the West London Abstraction system, which supplies raw water from a network of reservoirs feeding the Ashford Common treatment works before distribution across London. The contract follows detailed inspections carried out by Barhale’s specialist Tunnels & Aqueducts team as part of the mandatory five-year inspection programme. Engineers identified inconsistencies within the Southern Inlet tunnel’s existing glass reinforced plastic (GRP) liner, which, if left unaddressed, could compromise the underlying wedgeblock tunnel structure. Following a successful Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase, Barhale worked closely with Thames Water to refine the engineering design and develop practical construction solutions capable of overcoming the significant access constraints created by the site’s complex network of underground tunnels and utilities. Construction will begin with the excavation of a three-metre-deep access point to expose the tunnel’s chimney and riser. Sections of the existing riser will then be carefully demolished to provide safe access to the tunnel invert, located almost 20 metres below ground level. Once access has been established, specialist scaffolding systems will be installed throughout the tunnel, enabling engineers to safely remove the existing GRP liner. The team will then excavate the surrounding grout and concrete before constructing a new reinforced concrete lining designed to restore the tunnel’s long-term structural integrity and resilience. The refurbishment forms part of Thames Water’s ongoing investment in maintaining critical water infrastructure and ensuring the long-term reliability of assets that support millions of customers across the capital. Barhale is already familiar with the site, having previously completed a localised repair within the Northern tunnel following issues identified during earlier proactive inspections. A more comprehensive relining programme for that tunnel is also planned as part of future investment works. The latest contract highlights the growing importance of asset renewal across the UK’s ageing water infrastructure, where proactive inspection, engineering expertise and targeted refurbishment are helping utility providers extend the lifespan of critical assets while maintaining resilient water supplies. By combining detailed structural assessment with specialist tunnelling capabilities, the project will ensure Ashford Common Water Treatment Works continues to play a vital role in delivering safe, reliable drinking water to London while supporting the long-term resilience of one of the UK’s most important water networks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Utilities infrastructure upgrades will build resilience into UK international trade and drive economic prosperity. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been selected by Dover Harbour Board to deliver critical upgrades as part of its Project Contractors Framework. The Project Contractors Framework will commission civils, building, and utility works to support a range of capital improvement projects across the Port of Dover. The works will help Dover Harbour Board deliver it’s 2050 Masterplan, enhancing the UK’s port capacity for international trade and travel while driving prosperity through economic development that creates new jobs and develops skills. The total value of the Project Contractors Framework is up to £235m, split into four lots. Costain has been selected for Lot 1, Utilities, and its responsibilities will involve refurbishing and replacing a variety of essential utilities distribution systems serving the Port of Dover, with a focus on enhancing asset value and embedding decarbonisation. The Framework will run for six years. Costain will draw on its extensive cross-sector experience delivering complex engineering and infrastructure services in highly regulated environments in the transportation, water, energy and defence sectors. Jonathan Willcock, Managing Director, Transportation at Costain, commented: “This award is testament to our strategy of being positioned in growing markets where significant long-term investment is being made to meet critical national needs. “We’re excited to play a key role in maintaining Dover’s status as a leading global maritime hub. Upgrading the port’s utilities infrastructure will help build resilience in the UK’s capabilities in international trade while at the same time create prosperity at a local and national level.” Chris Hughes, Business Transformation Director at the Port of Dover, said:“Costain’s appointment to the Project Contractors Framework reflects its technical expertise and track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects. The port is investing in critical upgrades to our utilities infrastructure that will strengthen resilience for UK international trade and support economic growth. We look forward to collaborating closely with Costain to ensure these projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Environment Agency has set out plans for a £1.4bn flood defence programme that will accelerate more than 600 schemes across England over the next two years, marking a significant step up in efforts to tackle rising flood risk. The investment will fund a broad mix of major infrastructure projects, smaller repair works and nature-based interventions designed to improve resilience and better manage water across catchments. Several flagship schemes are already progressing, including the £59.3m Bridgwater Tidal Barrier in Somerset, the £37.1m Derby Flood Risk Management Scheme and the £24.3m Kendal flood scheme in Cumbria. These projects form part of a wider pipeline aimed at protecting communities, infrastructure and economic activity from increasing climate pressures. Major flood protection schemes currently in the programme include: Alongside new-build defences, around £260m has been allocated to repair and maintain existing flood assets, including damage caused by recent storms. This represents a renewed focus on improving the condition and reliability of ageing infrastructure after years of decline. The programme forms part of a wider £10.5bn investment plan running through to 2036, the largest flood and coastal protection initiative ever undertaken in England. As well as traditional engineering solutions, the Environment Agency is increasing its use of natural flood management techniques, including measures to slow water upstream and reduce peak flows during extreme weather events. Caroline Douglass, the Environment Agency’s flood director, said the strategy combines hard infrastructure with nature-based approaches to deliver long-term resilience. The scale of the programme is expected to support thousands of jobs across the construction and environmental sectors, while also unlocking development in areas previously constrained by flood risk. With procurement activity ramping up and delivery partners mobilising, schemes are set to move rapidly into construction through 2026 and 2027 as the government pushes ahead with its long-term flood resilience strategy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Scottish Water has unveiled a £13.4bn investment programme aimed at protecting and modernising the nation’s water and wastewater infrastructure over the six-year period from 2027 to 2033. The publicly owned utility said the plan is designed to future-proof ageing assets, respond to climate change pressures and sustain service standards, while maintaining some of the lowest customer charges in the UK. Of the total investment, £8bn will be directed towards maintaining and upgrading core infrastructure, including pipes, treatment works and associated assets. The remaining funding will cover essential operating expenditure to ensure services continue to run safely, reliably and efficiently. The programme will be delivered across Scotland, with the utility highlighting its potential to support employment, skills development and regional supply chains. Scottish Water said the plan reflects extensive engagement, with more than 25,000 people contributing feedback during its preparation. Chief executive Alex Plant said the blueprint balances long-term resilience with affordability. He noted that customers had made clear the need to safeguard essential services while ensuring investment remains fair and proportionate. As a publicly owned body, Scottish Water reinvests all income into its network and services. The organisation said its charges remain among the lowest of any UK water utility and emphasised that financial support schemes will continue for households requiring assistance. Currently, more than 53 per cent of customers receive some form of support. To fund the proposed programme, Scottish Water has put forward annual increases in customer charges of 3.3 per cent above CPI. The utility argues that this approach will provide the financial stability needed to address infrastructure resilience, environmental compliance and climate adaptation over the coming decade. The proposals have now been submitted to the Water Industry Commission for Scotland for regulatory scrutiny. A draft determination is expected in June, with a final determination scheduled for October 2026. This will confirm investment levels and customer charges for the 2027–2033 regulatory period, ahead of a detailed Delivery Plan being published in advance of the new cycle. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

BarhaleEnpure JV has completed an ?18m phosphorus removal programme at Dewsbury Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) in West Yorkshire to help improve water quality in the River Calder. Delivered in partnership with Yorkshire Water, the scheme has achieved a 90% reduction in phosphorus levels in the final effluent at the WwTW, exceeding Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) targets for England. Fourteen existing primary settlement tanks (PSTs) have been replaced with three new larger tanks and two new primary sludge pumping stations. Prior to construction an existing beck was diverted to accommodate the new tanks’ footprint. The project took advantage of off-site manufacturing to precast the concrete wall sections before they were assembled on site to form the new 45m diameter, 8.5m deep (deepest at the central desludge cone) settlement tanks. BarhaleEnpure JV constructed a new chemical dosing plant and installed a UMON4 device to upgrade monitoring to MCERTS (monitoring certification scheme) standards. This confirms that the works is treating permitted flow to full treatment (2,350 litres per second) when the storm overflow is operating. The team also completed process improvements and created a 2.5ha biodiversity and rewilding area. The WwTW, which serves a catchment of 200,000 people, remained fully operational throughout the construction process. Phosphorus is a normal component of domestic sewage, entering the sewer system from products such as shampoos and detergents. It can also enter rivers through agricultural run-off and natural soil erosion, which can be difficult to control. Small amounts of phosphorus are harmless and are essential to many ecosystems, but higher concentrations can become damaging to aquatic life.   BarhaleEnpure JV Contracts Manager Brian Harrold said the joint venture moved into the design and construct phase in the third quarter of 2023 following extensive early contractor involvement. “This has been a relatively long-term project to deliver essential water infrastructure for a large part of West Yorkshire,” he said. “We worked closely with Yorkshire Water throughout and successfully completed and commissioned all the new works on schedule and under budget. “The improvements are already delivering a measurable impact, including better water quality in the River Calder, a healthier and more enjoyable environment for people and wildlife and improved opportunities for recreation.” Philip Lister, Yorkshire Water’s environmental permit compliance lead, said: “Yorkshire Water is committed to looking at innovative ways to improve the operation of our sites to meet our phosphorus removal targets. This particular project adopted a number of measures designed to reduce the carbon impact and speed up the duration of the improvement works. “We have committed over ?350m to reduce the levels of phosphorus going into watercourses at 85 of our wastewater treatment sites across the region in the next five years, continuing the work we began in 2020 – 2025.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Dumfries & Galloway Council has appointed McLaughlin & Harvey to deliver a £38m flood protection scheme at Whitesands, setting in motion long-awaited works to safeguard the riverside quarter from the River Nith. The project follows years of debate over cost and design and responds to a persistent local problem: the Whitesands area has seen regular inundation—205 incidents recorded over the past two centuries—with climate change expected to intensify both frequency and severity. McLaughlin & Harvey has been engaged on an early contractor involvement basis to refine buildability, phasing and community impacts ahead of the main construction programme, which is expected to start next summer. The contractor will work alongside Turner & Townsend and Jacobs, who are providing consultancy support across cost, programme and technical design. The solution combines permanent and demountable elements to balance protection with riverside amenity. New barriers will be installed along a raised walkway on the Nith, using a mix of reinforced walls, high-clarity glass panels and flood gates at key access points. The glass sections are intended to retain river views and daylight while delivering the required defence standard, addressing long-standing concerns that traditional opaque walls would sever the town’s relationship with its waterfront. Flood gates will enable access for pedestrians, vehicles and events in normal conditions, closing rapidly when river levels rise. Invasive ground investigation works were completed in summer 2024, informing the foundation strategy and helping to de-risk construction in a complex urban setting. With utilities and traffic routes threaded tightly through the area, the early contractor involvement phase is expected to focus on sequencing, temporary works and stakeholder engagement to minimise disruption to local businesses, residents and visitors. Beyond protecting property and infrastructure, the scheme is designed to unlock confidence for future investment in the town centre. Reduced flood risk can lower insurance premiums, stabilise trading conditions and encourage upgrade decisions that have previously been deferred. The raised walkway and public-realm elements also create an opportunity to improve accessibility and wayfinding along the river corridor, linking the waterfront more clearly with the town’s retail and heritage assets. Once on site, the programme will likely be paced around river conditions and seasonal constraints, with key activities—including foundation pours, barrier installation and gate commissioning—co-ordinated to avoid peak flood windows where feasible. Commissioning will include integrated testing of gates, drainage interfaces and emergency procedures. For Dumfries, the project represents a pragmatic compromise forged through extensive consultation: robust, adaptable defences that keep the river in view rather than out of mind. As the main works mobilise next year, the focus will be on delivering reliable protection with the least possible disruption—an investment in resilience that aims to pay back through safer streets, steadier trade and renewed confidence on the banks of the Nith. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals