Barhale Awarded Triple Package Within United Utilities Better Rivers Programme
Civil engineering, infrastructure and tunnelling specialist Barhale has secured three major project wins under United Utilities’ £3B Better Rivers programme, aimed at improving water quality and protecting over 300 miles of waterways across the North West.
The contracts – at Cheadle in Stockport, and Wheatfield Close and Thornton in Merseyside – will increase storage capacity and improve network performance, helping United Utilities meet its target of reducing spills from storm overflows by 60% before 2030.
The work will be delivered within United Utilities AMP8 framework.
The project at Cheadle will see Barhale construct a new 500m3 detention tank and a 10.5m diameter, 13m deep segmental shaft alongside modifications to the existing combined sewer overflow (CSO) and upgrades to the valve and flow meter chambers.
At Wheatfield Close, Barhale will design and build an additional 1400m3 storage centred on a 15m diameter 13m deep segmental, caisson-built shaft and valve and flow chamber works and improvements to the existing CSO. Barhale will also complete Section 278 highways works to accommodate a new access route to the shaft.
A new 14m diameter by 6m high above ground, stainless steel segmental tank will help create an additional 1000m3 of storage at Thornton. Additional associated infra works include a new 4m x 6m (deep) wet well, flow chambers, CSO modifications and a new outfall with headwall to increase structural stability.
Nick Curtis, Regional Manager explained that clever engineering – building new storage and maximising the headroom in the existing infrastructure – is allowing the project goals to be achieved with a reduced build.
“It is an absolute priority to help protect rivers and the wider environment by reducing spills from storm overflows,” he said. “We are demonstrating that it is possible to do so both delivering best value while minimising intrusiveness for customers and communities.
“We have worked closely with United Utilities to shape each of the project approaches and are looking forward to making our contribution to the Better Rivers project.”
Completion at Cheadle is expected in April 2026; at Wheatfield Close in June 2026; and at Thornton by March 2026.
Source: Barhale