Global engineering and built environment consultancy Arup has signed contracts with STRABAG UK to deliver design services for the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP).
The project will be one of the largest water infrastructure projects in the UK and a key part of United Utilities’ commitment to safeguard water supply for over two million people across Cumbria, Lancashire and Greater Manchester – ensuring a reliable water supply for generations to come.
Originally constructed between 1933 and 1955, the aqueduct supplies 570 million litres of high-quality drinking water from the Lake District to the North West region daily. The programme will replace over 50 kilometres of aging tunnel infrastructure within the 110km long Haweswater Aqueduct, the largest treated water aqueduct in the UK.
This appointment reflects Arup’s strategic relationship with STRABAG UK and the integrated project team formed during the bid stage. Originally appointed for tender services to the STRABAG Equitix Consortium (now Cascade Infrastructure Ltd) in 2023, Arup will now provide a range of detailed design services to the project. Arup’s scope of work will encompass a broad range of services, including water and hydraulic engineering, tunnelling and ground engineering, civil structural and materials engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control and Automation (MEICA) and process engineering. These will be supported by wider planning, environmental and sustainability services, programme management and digital project delivery.
Catherine Wenger, Water Business Leader, commented:
“It’s a privilege to contribute to the renewal of the Haweswater Aqueduct, a crucial national asset. HARP brings unique technical and environmental challenges, and as Strategic Design Partner Arup will continue to apply its multidisciplinary expertise to deliver resilient, sustainable solutions for this major infrastructure project.
“Supporting STRABAG UK in delivering HARP is the latest in a long line of essential water projects we are working on across the UK, including many as part of the Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8) investment cycle. This fully aligns with our sustainability goals and commitment to shaping resilient infrastructure systems. We are proud to be part of ensuring a secure, clean water supply for communities in Greater Manchester and the North West.”
Andrew Dixon, Managing Director (Commercial) at STRABAG UK, commented:
“We’re pleased to continue our ongoing collaboration with Arup on this landmark project. We will deliver this critical infrastructure with our delivery partners, focussing always on best value. In addition to working closely with local communities, we will be creating high quality opportunities for skills development, as well as long-term employment in the North West of England.”
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