Southern Water has announced the selection of seven firms for its AMP8 professional services framework.
- The selected firms are set to play a crucial role in Southern Water’s £7.8 billion investment strategy.
- The framework will run for five years, with a potential three-year extension, subject to regulatory approval.
- These firms will support Southern Water in areas like asset management, project management, and technical services.
- Southern Water anticipates significant enhancements to water quality, storm overflow reduction, and biodiversity through these partnerships.
Southern Water has strategically appointed seven consultancy firms to manage its upcoming regulatory spending phase, known as AMP8, with an estimated budget of £7.8 billion. This phase encompasses the years 2025 to 2030 and involves extensive cooperation with Aecom, Arup, KPMG, Mott MacDonald, Stantec, Turner & Townsend, and WSP/Binnies. Together, these firms form the backbone of Southern Water’s essential professional services framework.
The framework is meticulously designed to last for an initial period of five years, with a possibility of extending it by an additional three years, contingent upon regulatory approval. It is compartmentalised into three key segments: asset management support services, programme and project management support services, as well as technical and engineering support services. This structured approach ensures that each area receives focused expertise and resources.
In a gathering at Southern Water’s Falmer office near Brighton, representatives from these firms engaged in discussions about their collaborative roles and responsibilities. Southern Water’s head of procurement, Stephen Coleman, expressed confidence in the consortium, emphasising their potential to significantly support Southern Water. He highlighted initiatives aimed at pioneering nature-based solutions, advancing hydraulic modelling, enhancing water recycling, and driving digital innovation, all intended to safeguard the water network and enrich community life.
Coleman elucidated on the strategic objectives, stating, “From identifying and designing new nature-based solutions to improve water quality, reduce storm overflows and boost biodiversity, projects within this framework will help future-proof our network and enhance our communities across the region.” His statement encapsulates the forward-thinking and environmentally conscious ethos driving Southern Water’s efforts.
Such efforts are crucial, given the increasing regulatory and environmental challenges faced by water companies. The appointed partners are not just contractors but key collaborators in ensuring Southern Water meets its ambitious targets. Their expertise in civil engineering and environmental consultancy will be pivotal in enhancing Southern Water’s operational infrastructure and service delivery across the region.
The collaboration between Southern Water and its selected partners marks a significant step towards sustainable and innovative water management solutions.
