Wessex Water appoints key partners for its £3.7bn AMP8 plans.
- Framework agreements may last up to 11 years, spanning AMP8 and AMP9.
- The project covers regions including Dorset, Somerset, and Bristol.
- Partnerships include major firms like Mott MacDonald and Kier Integrated Services.
- Focus on both traditional and innovative nature-based solutions for water treatment.
Wessex Water has embarked on a monumental journey by appointing significant engineering and consultancy firms as its capital delivery partners for its audacious £3.7bn initiative, slated for the eighth asset management period (AMP8), spanning 2025 to 2030. The framework agreements signify a long-term commitment, potentially extending up to 11 years, thereby encompassing AMP8 and AMP9, with work distributed across regions including Dorset, Somerset, Bristol, and parts of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and Hampshire.
The AMP8 project has engaged notable design and build partners such as Mott MacDonald Bentley, Kier Integrated Services, Galliford Try Construction, and Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure. Additionally, design consultancy services are being provided by renowned firms including Aecom, AtkinsRéalis UK, Stantec UK, Mott MacDonald, Pell Frischmann Consultants, Sweco UK, and GHD. For mechanical and electrical works, firms like Bridges (Electrical Engineers), Trant Engineering, and OCU Utility Services have been enlisted. Meanwhile, civil works will be undertaken by entities such as Envolve Infrastructure, Mott MacDonald Bentley, and Knights Brown Construction.
This strategic approach is designed to foster a collaborative, flexible, and agile methodology, crucial for addressing the broader £88bn investment programme the industry faces nationwide. Furthermore, Wessex Water is committed to not only traditional ‘grey’ construction projects but also to pioneering alternative solutions. A notable aspect of this initiative is the implementation of 36 nature-based solutions aimed at addressing storm overflow treatment in a sustainable manner.
These ventures underscore Wessex Water’s expansive infrastructure, which includes 35,000km of sewers, 12,000km of water mains, and a multitude of water sources, treatment centres, service reservoirs, sewage pumping stations, and water recycling centres. The company’s engineering and delivery director highlights the appointments as crucial for enhancing delivery, training, and development across the partnership, especially given the programme’s scale doubling that of AMP7.
Industry reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with key stakeholders expressing enthusiasm for the partnerships. Andy Lingham of Kier Integrated Services looks forward to enhancing regional portfolios, stating the initiative’s role in tackling climate challenges and supporting community growth. Beverley Stinson of Aecom emphasises the project’s capacity for delivering sustainable water solutions, aligning with their broader goal of doubling their water business organically. Bill Hocking of Galliford Try and John Hensman of GHD highlight the significant environmental investments and community benefits poised to emerge from this enterprise. Simon Smith from Morgan Sindall is eager to develop new relationships and extend their regional presence.
Wessex Water’s strategic collaborations for AMP8 mark a significant step towards innovative and sustainable water management solutions.
