Esh-Stanec has been appointed to upgrade and improve a wastewater treatment plant County Durham.

The joint partnership will extend and upgrade the Northumrian Water wastewater treatment plant in Kelloe. The project is expected to cost £6.4 million.

The scheme aims to support better water quality in Coxhoe Beck, as well as other watercourses downstream.

Works to be carried out include, the installation of an Aquazone chemical dosing delivery system, above ground stainless steel humus settlement tanks and a tertiary treatment plant.

ESH-Stanec is a joint venture that was formed in 2015 between Esh Construction and Stanec.

Commenting on the project, David Pratt, Esh-Stantec divisional director, said: "The project marks the first secured by Esh-Stantec via Runway 3, a framework which will help maintain and improve the water and wastewater treatment and network assets across Northumbrian Water’s operating areas.


"As with all Esh-Stantec schemes, we are committed to delivering a customer focussed approach to ensure all residents are kept fully up to date with progress throughout. We will also work within the community to create a legacy through a programme of social value initiatives, including the delivery of STEM and employability sessions in local schools."

Reflecting on their involvement, Scott Jackson, regional director of Stantec UK & Ireland, said: "What a fantastic start to our work on Northumbrian Water’s Runway 3 framework. We are passionate about using cutting-edge design thinking to help our clients provide real benefits for communities and this project ensures we do just that, while improving the water quality entering our watercourses.

"Our designs will also support our Northumbrian Water in improving levels of performance and efficiency, and we look forward to making the most of our expertise as this project progresses."

Initial work began on the site began in October 2022, to stabilise the surrounding ground and begin excavation. The project is expected to complete in late spring 2024.