Severn Trent has awarded a contract worth approximately £45 million to Costain to deliver major infrastructure upgrades at the Rugby Newbold Sewage Treatment Works, aimed at increasing treatment capacity and improving operational resilience.
Under the agreement, Costain will serve as principal contractor and principal designer, delivering a new activated sludge plant to enhance the site’s ability to process dry weather flows. The biological treatment system will integrate with existing assets and increase total capacity by 28%, from 21,600 m³/d to 27,598 m³/d, with completion expected by 2028.
The project supports AMP8 WINEP requirements, which mandate wastewater treatment facilities to accommodate higher volumes during dry weather conditions. The increased capacity is intended to strengthen performance during periods of variable weather and ensure compliance with evolving regulatory standards.
Works will also include the construction of new pumping stations, four final settlement tanks with a diameter of 29 metres each, and a chemical dosing plant. In addition, the existing inlet works will be expanded and upgraded, alongside improvements to feed and storm capacity and broader utilities systems. These elements will be delivered collaboratively to reduce risks associated with inflows to the site.
Costain will implement its Production Thinking approach, combining modern construction methods such as off-site manufacturing and design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) with digital technologies to drive efficiency and enhance safety across the programme.
Matt Bateman, Water Sector Director at Costain, said: “We have a long-term trusted partner relationship with Severn Trent and are looking forward to once again having the opportunity to deliver high quality infrastructure upgrades quickly and safely. This award is built on our excellent track record of identifying construction efficiencies and delivering best-in-class solutions that maximise value for Severn Trent and its customers.”
Andrew King, Delivery Business Lead at Severn Trent, added: “We are delighted to be working with Costain to help deliver these essential upgrades, that will bring a huge benefit to the way the site operates. These upgrades will see our Rugby wastewater site be able to hold even more rainwater during storms, meaning less chances of issues such as flooding or the use of overflows. The piece of work will see us working collaboratively with Costain in areas, utilising different technologies and ensuring that the site serves the local area to the very best capacity.”
