The HARP project involves the replacement of six tunnel sections along the aqueduct’s route, with a construction value of circa £3 billion. DWF was instructed by STRABAG UK Limited to advise on the Construction Works Agreement, Design Services Agreement, and associated ancillary documentation.
The project is the first of its kind in the UK water sector approved by Ofwat to be delivered through a Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) model providing best value to customers.
The project is set to deliver a variety of economic advantages to the North West, including the generation of employment and apprenticeship schemes.
“This is a significant project for the region and for STRABAG UK Limited,” said Jim Jordan, lead project Partner at DWF. “We are delighted to support our client in delivering this critical upgrade to the North West’s water infrastructure, ensuring resilience and sustainability for generations to come.”
DWF’s cross-disciplinary team provided strategic legal guidance throughout the procurement and contracting phases, drawing on deep sector expertise and a commitment to service excellence. The firm’s involvement reflects its ongoing investment in supporting complex infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally.
The project involved close collaboration with Cascade Infrastructure (Competitively Appointed Provider, or CAP), United Utilities, and regulatory stakeholders including OFWAT.
Andrew Dixon, Managing Director (Commercial) at STRABAG UK said "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 infrastructure with our delivery partners, focussing always on best value. In addition to working closely with local communities, we will be creating high quality opportunities for skills development, as well as long-term employment in the North West of England.”
Client Relationship Partner Richard Twomey said, "DWF is delighted to have assisted STRABAG UK Limited with this significant design and build project and we look forward to its successful delivery."
The DWF team was led by Partner Jim Jordan, with Simon Holloway and Solicitor Jorja Vernon supporting, alongside colleagues from banking, tax, corporate and dispute resolution.
The project is the first of its kind in the UK water sector approved by Ofwat to be delivered through a Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) model providing best value to customers.
The project is set to deliver a variety of economic advantages to the North West, including the generation of employment and apprenticeship schemes.
“This is a significant project for the region and for STRABAG UK Limited,” said Jim Jordan, lead project Partner at DWF. “We are delighted to support our client in delivering this critical upgrade to the North West’s water infrastructure, ensuring resilience and sustainability for generations to come.”
DWF’s cross-disciplinary team provided strategic legal guidance throughout the procurement and contracting phases, drawing on deep sector expertise and a commitment to service excellence. The firm’s involvement reflects its ongoing investment in supporting complex infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally.
The project involved close collaboration with Cascade Infrastructure (Competitively Appointed Provider, or CAP), United Utilities, and regulatory stakeholders including OFWAT.
Andrew Dixon, Managing Director (Commercial) at STRABAG UK said "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 infrastructure with our delivery partners, focussing always on best value. In addition to working closely with local communities, we will be creating high quality opportunities for skills development, as well as long-term employment in the North West of England.”
Client Relationship Partner Richard Twomey said, "DWF is delighted to have assisted STRABAG UK Limited with this significant design and build project and we look forward to its successful delivery."
The DWF team was led by Partner Jim Jordan, with Simon Holloway and Solicitor Jorja Vernon supporting, alongside colleagues from banking, tax, corporate and dispute resolution.
