YouTube Disclaimer

To play this video, you must accept cookies from US providers. For details, please see Cookie Settings in our Privacy Policy. Consent to the setting of cookies from US providers can be given either here or under Cookie Settings in our Privacy Policy The revocation of consent already given can be done in the same way.

Back to the overview

STRABAG awarded contract by United Utilities to deliver the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP)

21 Aug 2025
© drewrawcliffe / stock.adobe.com
© drewrawcliffe / stock.adobe.com

STRABAG is pleased to announce that they have achieved financial close and has been awarded the contract to deliver the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme, otherwise known as HARP, for United Utilities.

HARP is a major scheme to maintain drinking water supplies across Cumbria, Lancashire, and Greater Manchester for future generations. The Haweswater Aqueduct is a 110km pipeline that runs from the Lake District, through Lancashire, and into Greater Manchester. Originally constructed between 1933 and 1955, the pipeline needs essential upgrade work and will see the replacement of the existing tunnel sections.

The overall estimated project construction costs will be in the region of £3bn. The complex construction and maintenance programme is the first in the UK water sector approved by Ofwat to be delivered through a Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) model.

The infrastructure project will bring a range of economic benefits to the region and will create local jobs and apprenticeship opportunities.

STRABAG, alongside its partners Equitix and GLIL Infrastructure, has formed Cascade Infrastructure Ltd, the project company responsible for the project agreement with the client, United Utilities. The contract includes finance, design, build, and maintenance of six tunnel sections of the pipeline. 

STRABAG UK Limited will deliver the full design and construction scope of the project.

The build phase is planned to run over nine years, followed by a further 25 years of maintenance. 

  • Expanding our presence in the UK and investing in critical water infrastructure is a clear step in delivering on our Strategy 2030. With HARP, we are not only contributing to the long-term resilience of critical infrastructure, but also strengthening our market position in the UK.

    Stefan Kratochwill
    STRABAG CEO

  • The award of the HARP design and construction contract to STRABAG UK Limited recognises the capability and depth of competence we have built up over the past years. We will deliver this critical national infrastructure focussing always on best value, working closely with local communities, and creating high-quality opportunities for skills development and long-term employment in the North of England.

    We are immensely proud of the way our teams have collaborated to achieve financial close and look forward to continuing this partnership for years to come on such a significant project.

    Simon Wild
    Managing Director of STRABAG UK Ltd

  • Making the North West stronger, greener and healthier is at the heart of everything we do. Today marks a significant step to ensure we have the right infrastructure to provide a resilient water supply to communities right across the region for decades to come and, at the same time, creating hundreds of great quality jobs and delivering on the commitments and promises we have set out.