What's Happening?
United Utilities has awarded major contracts for the £3 billion refurbishment of the Haweswater Aqueduct, a critical water infrastructure project in the UK. The aqueduct, which supplies water to parts of Greater Manchester and Lancashire, is undergoing a significant upgrade to improve resilience and reduce failure risk. The project, known as the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (Harp), involves replacing six tunnel sections using modern tunnelling techniques. Cascade Infrastructure, a consortium including Strabag and Equitix, has been selected to lead the design and construction. Turner & Townsend and Arup have been appointed as technical advisers and design consultants, respectively. The project is set to begin construction in 2026 and will last approximately nine years.
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Why It's Important?
The Haweswater Aqueduct project is crucial for ensuring a reliable water supply to millions of people in the North West of England. It represents a significant investment in infrastructure resilience, addressing challenges posed by aging assets and climate change. The project is expected to create around 1,200 jobs at its peak, contributing to regional economic growth and skill development. The use of the Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) model aims to deliver cost-effective solutions by involving private sector financing and delivery, potentially setting a precedent for future infrastructure projects in the water sector.
What's Next?
Preparatory work, including ground investigations and detailed design, is underway, with main construction scheduled to start in 2026. United Utilities and its partners will need to secure environmental permits and engage with stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution. The project's progress will be closely monitored by regulators and industry stakeholders, focusing on delivery timelines, cost control, and environmental performance. The success of the DPC model in this project could influence future procurement strategies in the water industry.
