Northumbrian Water has appointed joint venture, Esh-Stantec, to Lot A of its capital delivery framework for North East infrastructure work for AMP8 and beyond.

The framework agreement, which runs for up to 12 years, will see Esh-Stantec support the water company’s ambitious £3.6 billion AMP8 investment programme with a range of engineering, design, and build services.

The scope of works includes the design, construction, and commissioning of Northumbrian Water’s new water and wastewater infrastructure assets, as well as the modification and refurbishment of existing assets across the North East of England.

Monisha Gower, assets director at Northumbrian Water Group, said:

“The market has never been so competitive, when it comes to adding the best partners and people to our team in the run-up to AMP8. We have had to be agile and move fast, employing innovation throughout our procurement practices, and it has paid off, building our new stable of partners and creating the capacity we need for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Formed in 2015, Esh-Stantec is a joint venture between Esh Construction and sustainable design and engineering firm, Stantec. The partnership has been successful in delivering innovative schemes through Northumbrian Water’s Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Framework.

ThE new appointment will see Esh-Stantec build on its continued success as it becomes part of Northumbrian Water’s new ‘Living Water Enterprise’—the innovative and highly collaborative vehicle made up of the water company and 12 supply partners responsible for efficiently delivering its large-scale construction programmes in AMP8.

While positions have been awarded on specific frameworks focusing on treatment and infrastructure, the flexible nature of the Living Water Enterprise means the partners will be available to work across Northumbrian Water’s complete programme. This will ensure the best resources are used for each project.

“This appointment is a huge milestone in our joint venture’s journey,” commented Esh-Stantec divisional director, David Pratt. “Esh and Stantec have been working together to deliver outstanding, award-winning, and industry-leading water projects for nearly ten years.”

“Our ability to develop local employment and skills, share knowledge and innovate for Northumbrian Water has set the bar for industry collaboration, community engagement, and job creation, and we’re delighted that this has been recognised by our client.”

“Esh Construction is a local contractor and securing a framework of this magnitude provides security for hundreds of jobs, will generate a substantial amount of work for a regional supply chain and create significant career opportunities for local people.”

Scott Jackson, regional business lead for Water—UK and Ireland at Stantec, added:

“The AMP8 period will be the biggest and most ambitious programme of work the sector has ever seen. As we gear up for the next five years and beyond, it’s so important that water companies have the right partners and resources in place. We’re delighted to be able to support Northumbrian Water throughout this period as we strengthen our workforce in the North East and nationally while drawing from our growing global bank of expertise.”

In 2023, Stantec was appointed as a Strategic Technical Partner by Northumbrian Water for the AMP8 period.

In addition to the framework award, Esh Construction will continue to deliver reactive repairs and maintenance through Northumbrian Water’s Runway 1 Framework.