Northumbrian Water has appointed joint venture, Esh-Stantec, to a new capital delivery framework that will underpin the delivery of the AMP 8 investment programme and beyond.
The award will see Esh-Stantec become part of Northumbrian Water’s ‘Living Water Enterprise’, a highly integrated, collaborative delivery vehicle made up of the water company and 12 supply partners responsible for delivering its large-scale construction programmes.
Securing its place on Lot A for North East Infrastructure work, Esh-Stantec will undertake design, construction, and commissioning of Northumbrian Water’s new water and wastewater infrastructure assets, as well as the modification and refurbishment of existing assets.
The framework agreement, which runs for up to 12 years, represents the largest award since the joint venture between Esh Construction and sustainable design and engineering firm, Stantec, was formed in 2015.
The partnership has been successful in delivering several innovative schemes through Northumbrian Water’s Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Framework since its launch.
“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 AMP 8 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.”
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.
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.
“We have brought on board some of the most capable and innovative partners in our sector, each of whom will bring their energy and passion with them for the journey ahead. These partnerships aren’t just going to build more resilient services for our customers, they will build reputations and careers along the way.
“The level of integration that we will build with all of our partners requires a lot of work, and we are excited to get started.”
In addition to the framework award, Esh Construction will continue to deliver reactive repairs and maintenance through Northumbrian Water’s Runway 1 Framework.
Esh and Stantec have been working together to deliver outstanding, award-winning, and industry-leading water projects for nearly ten years. 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.”
