AECOM, a global infrastructure consulting firm, has been selected to provide design engineering services for Southern Water's $4.8bn (£3.7bn) capital delivery programme in UK.

This initiative is part of Southern Water's preparation for infrastructure and wastewater projects scheduled for the asset management period 8 (AMP8 period) from 2025 to 2030.

AECOM's role will encompass a detailed design partnership with Kier, as well as being the sole design partner for Morrison Water Services, a division of M Group Services, on several framework agreements.

As part of the Strategic Delivery Partner (SDP) Framework, AECOM will collaborate with Kier and Pell Frischmann on Lot 1 for non-infrastructure water projects and Lot 2 for non-infrastructure wastewater projects.

Morrison Water Services has also engaged AECOM as its exclusive design partner for its infrastructure projects under the SDP Lot 3 Framework and the Low Complexity Delivery Route Lot 2 (Wastewater) Framework. These frameworks are set to last for seven and five years, respectively, with the possibility of a five-year extension.

M Group water division managing director Iain Sutherland said: “We are delighted to appoint AECOM, who will provide design services for Southern Water’s framework.

“Our solutions will contribute to improvements to the wastewater network and the long-term reliability of water supplies, ensuring Southern Water can meet the needs of customers and the environment.”

The partnership will see AECOM involved in optioneering, outline, and detailed design for various water and wastewater projects. This collaboration aims to drive positive outcomes for Southern Water's customers, communities, and the environment.

It builds upon AECOM's earlier appointment to two Lots under the AMP8 Professional Services Framework, where they provided asset management and programme/project management services.

AECOM Europe and India region chief executive Colin Wood said: “We are delighted to partner with Kier and Morrison Water Services to provide design engineering services to support project delivery, building on our well-established relationships with both groups and continue our long-standing work with Southern Water.”

In August 2024, Southern Water contracted eight companies for two capital delivery frameworks including the AMP8 framework.