The STRABAG, Equitix, and GLIL Infrastructure consortium has officially secured a landmark contract from United Utilities to deliver the £3 billion Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP), marking a significant investment in northern England’s water infrastructure.
Cascade Infrastructure Limited, established by the consortium, will act as the project company overseeing this transformative initiative.
At the heart of HARP is the ambitious replacement of six critical tunnel sections in the 110-kilometre Haweswater Aqueduct pipeline, originally constructed between 1933 and 1955 to carry water from the Lake District to Greater Manchester through Lancashire.
The newly awarded contract comprises the full design, construction, maintenance, and financing of these upgrades, ensuring safe and reliable drinking water for 2.5 million residents in Cumbria, Lancashire, and Greater Manchester.
STRABAG UK will spearhead the design and construction phase, with the build expected to span approximately nine years.
The comprehensive agreement sets a 25-year operational term, highlighting the long-range commitment of the consortium and United Utilities to the region’s water security.
STRABAG and Equitix were named the preferred bidders for the design and construction roles in January, following a competitive process to secure partners capable of delivering complex infrastructure solutions.
STRABAG CEO Stefan Kratochwill commented: “Expanding our presence in the UK and investing in critical water infrastructure is a clear step in delivering on our Strategy 2030.
“With HARP, we are not only contributing to the long-term resilience of critical infrastructure but also strengthening our market position in the UK.”
United Utilities CEO Louise Beardmore added that this “marks a significant step to ensure we have the right infrastructure to provide a resilient water supply to communities right across the region for decades to come and, at the same time, creating hundreds of great quality jobs and delivering on the commitments and promises we have set out.”
The consortium’s expertise extends beyond HARP.
Earlier this month, STRABAG subsidiary ZÜBLIN commenced refurbishment of the historic Arne Jacobsen Haus in Hamburg’s City Nord district, demonstrating a continued commitment to revitalising critical infrastructure across Europe.
With the launch of the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme, STRABAG, Equitix, and GLIL Infrastructure are set to play a pivotal role in securing the future of water distribution for millions, reflecting a strategic alignment with growing demands for resilient infrastructure investment.
