As of July 2026, Kier reports 31 early contractor involvement projects with Southern Water, worth £104 million at that stage, with construction value projected to exceed £480 million. They come under the £3.1 billion Strategic Delivery Partner framework that Southern Water awarded in August 2024.
Four holders on the main framework
The Strategic Delivery Partner framework runs for seven years, with an optional five-year extension. Its holders are the CMDP+ joint venture of Costain and MWH Treatment, Kier, Galliford Try and Morrison Water Services. A separate Infrastructure Low Complexity Delivery Route framework, also awarded in August 2024, went to Clancy Docwra, United Living and Barhale on the water side, and to Clancy Docwra, J Browne and Morrison Utility Services on wastewater.
Network contracts worth £466 million
Wastewater network services were let in four lots announced in April 2025. Lanes Group holds operate and maintain (£272 million) and manhole covers (£26 million), Cappagh Browne holds civils and rehabilitation (£120 million), and McAllister Bros holds lining (£48 million).
The newest call-offs
In July 2026 Kier won Stage 1 early contractor involvement contracts for Hastings Resilience at Brede and Beauport, expected to be worth more than £30 million, and for Brighton East nitrate removal. The Drinking Water Inspectorate lists 42 live improvement items for Southern Water, with deadlines from 31 October 2026 to 31 July 2035.
Where suppliers outside these frameworks can still bid directly, which opportunities are open or emerging, and what to watch through 2027 are set out in the brief. The full report, Southern Water: Utility Account Brief, is available for USD 499. For a free overview, read the Southern Water Utility Snapshot.