Laing O’rourke Imtech Integrated Jv To Carry Out Davyhulme Modernisation Project

24.03.15

United Utilities has appointed the Laing O’Rourke Imtech joint venture to undertake the major contract in a multimillion pound modernisation of Davyhulme Waste Water Treatment Works in Manchester - the largest treatment plant in the North West, serving a population of over a million people.

The modernisation programme will see the significant remediation of previously abandoned land in advance of the construction of six circular primary settlement tanks (PST) and a new activated sludge plant (ASP) with ten circular final settlement tanks (FST). This work will lead to significant environmental benefits for the site, improving the outflow, and subsequently the quality, of water entering the Manchester Ship Canal.

The JV will employ industry leading digital engineering and DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly) processes, allowing the project team to build the plant virtually before starting construction on site, providing definitive information to allow ease of commissioning and optimise long-term operation and maintenance.

The experience using DfMA on similar sized waste water treatment facilities in the past will allow the project team to complete the works while the plant remains open and fully operational.

Richard Sutton, United Utilities senior project manager, commented on the appointment, saying: “Davyhulme is an iconic site where modern wastewater treatment was invented more than a hundred years ago. We are keen to get started on this next development in the plant’s history, to ensure we continue to serve the people of Manchester into the 21st Century.”

Graham Flynn, Laing O’Rourke Imtech Project Director added:
“We are delighted that United Utilities has selected Laing O’Rourke Imtech to help Davyhulme Waste Water Treatment Works become one of the UK’s most efficient and sustainable waste water treatment plants. Our ability to maximise the benefits of modern, offsite construction and engineering techniques is central to our solution, meaning that we can deliver this complex scheme in a live environment with minimal disruption.”

The delivery team on the project comprises design heavyweights Hyder Consulting and Mott MacDonald, who will be working in collaboration with the Laing O’Rourke Imtech Integrated JV; together this team has a proven track record of designing and delivering some of the UK’s most complex water projects.

Rob Dunstan, technical director with Hyder-Mott MacDonald JV said:

“The Hyder Mott MacDonald JV is delighted to be collaborating with LORI on this prestigious project. The approach to the design will be industry leading and will make full use of BIM technology to ensure a world class solution that stands the test of time.”