Project Brief

The modernisation programme of this multimillion-pound project involves significant remediation of previously abandoned land, followed by the construction of six circular primary settlement tanks (PST) and a large activated sludge plant (ASP) with 10 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.

Solution

Following the appointment of Laing O’Rourke to undertake the modernisation of the Davyhulme Waste Water Treatment Works in Manchester by United Utilities, the Marshalls Civils and Drainage was employed to supply bespoke precast box culverts to the largest treatment plant in the Northwest, which serves over a million people.

The Davyhulme wastewater treatment works expansion was completed in 2018.

Client Comments

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 Project Director added: “We are delighted that United Utilities has selected Laing O’Rourke to help Davyhulme Waste Water Treatment Works become one of the UK’s most efficient and sustainable wastewater 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 Laing O’Rourke; 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 LOR 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.”