Kier has secured two further Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contracts from Southern Water under its £3.1bn AMP8 Strategic Delivery Partner Framework, one of several frameworks being used to deliver the AMP8 programme.

The awards, totalling £44.4m, build on Kier's recent AMP8 progress and expand its role in delivering wastewater and clean water infrastructure improvements across Southern Water's region. In October, Kier announced two AMP8 ECI contracts worth £28.8m.

The first of the new awards, valued at £19.9m, covers early-stage design and development at six wastewater treatment works: Chickenhall (Eastleigh), Fullerton, Leeds, Newnham Valley (Preston), Paddock Wood and Sellindge. The works aim to increase capacity and compliance to meet future environmental and population needs, aligned with the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP).

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The second, worth £24.5m, spans six further sites at Dambridge (Wingham), Felbridge, Staplehurst, Ticehurst, Tonbridge and Ulcombe. Kier will advance design development and constructability planning for upgrades focused on improving ammonia, phosphorus and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) removal.

The ECI model is intended to optimise design, reduce programme and delivery risks, and provide cost and schedule certainty ahead of construction. Both contracts will be delivered under the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract.

Simon Tomlinson, Director for Wastewater Capital Delivery at Southern Water, said: "The projects demonstrate Southern Water's commitment to improving the Environment. The projects will improve the treatment performance at the works, as well as support population growth, meeting the future demands across our region."

Andy Beech, framework director at Kier Natural Resources, Nuclear & Networks, said: "These awards represent another important step in our partnership with Southern Water at the start of AMP8. They reflect the confidence our client has in Kier to deliver high-quality, sustainable wastewater solutions that will improve performance, protect the environment, and deliver long-term value for customers."

Kier Natural Resources, Nuclear & Networks said the latest awards reinforce its position as a leading delivery partner in the UK water sector, following recent AMP8 contract wins and renewals with Yorkshire Water, Wessex Water, United Utilities, Anglian Water and Severn Trent.