Three tap into United Utilities' water improvement scheme

Three consortia have tapped into at least £900m-worth of work as part of one of the UK's largest programmes of water improvement schemes.
The deals comprise around 40% of a total package of £2.9bn being rolled out by United Utilities under its Asset Management Programme 4 (AMP4) banner.
The three preferred bidders comprise: a joint venture between Costain, Galliford Try and Atkins Water; KMI Plus: Kier Construction; J Murphy; Interserve Project Services; and Mouchel Parkman; and MWH: Montgomery Watson Harza.
Work begins on site next month and the contracts will run for five years each.
The plan is for MWH to work alongside United Utilities and be jointly responsible for designing new schemes and improvements to water and wastewater treatment works, as well as major sewer outflow schemes.
The Costain/Galliford/Atkins group and KMI will be responsible for detailed design work and the construction and commissioning of these projects.
The former consortium will work on the southern division of the client's area, with KMI responsible for the northern division.
The client is expected to make its final decision on awarding these contracts by the end of this month.
The deal is the process aspect of the AMP4 programme and includes large-scale environmental improvements, such as dealing with stormwater and the quality of river and bathing water.
The network aspects of United Utilities' programme will be let later this year. These works will include rehabilitation and improvement tasks relating to pipes, mains and sewers.
United's Steven Beaumont, who is responsible for the company's procurement and investment strategy, said: "The delivery of our current investment programme shows that framework contracts are the right way forward. We're developing it in line with industry best practice to ensure AMP4 will be a success."