Asset Optimization Secures 40% Cost Saving and Contract Award at Leicestershire STW Project

Barhale and Severn Trent have collaborated to unlock a £2M saving on the Ravenstone Sewage Treatment Works upgrade through early contractor involvement (ECI).

Following the successful ECI, civil engineering, infrastructure and tunnelling specialist Barhale has been appointed to deliver the main works design and build contract. Rather than constructing new assets, the scheme will refurbish and optimise existing infrastructure.

Severn Trent Water identified the need for an upgrade at Ravenstone after close monitoring of dry weather flows over a six-year period.

The scheme will increase the STW’s hydraulic and treatment capacity while also tightening final effluent standards, including meeting the requirements of a new ammonia permit.

During ECI, Barhale carried out hydraulic assessments to understand how the existing assets could perform. This work showed that key structures could be retained, removing the need for additional construction and reducing mechanical complexity without affecting performance.

Alongside refurbishment of existing assets, the works include installation of new storm, sludge and SAF (Submerged Aerated Filter) tanks, package pumping stations and associated pipework. New manholes, ducting and MEICA systems will also be installed, including motor control centres and kiosks.

Sean McCormick, Contracts Manager at Barhale, said the upgrade will meet both the capacity demands of new housing and tighter environmental regulation.

“New housing developments, including the 105 homes at Wash Lane, increase demand on existing wastewater infrastructure,” he said. “This upgrade will ensure the site can meet that demand to 2050 while complying with tighter environmental standards under the AMP8 WINEP programme.

“The successful ECI work allowed us to make better use of capacity within the existing assets to reduce cost and accelerate programme delivery.”

Work is due to start on site in September 2026 with completion in Autumn 2027.

About Barhale

Barhale is a civil engineering, infrastructure and tunnelling specialist.

Originally established in 1980 as a dedicated tunnelling contractor, Barhale has grown its skills and capabilities, including design and the supply of safety and construction products, to support its long-term commitment to the direct delivery of end-to-end construction services.

Strong family values and industry-leading personal development pathways have confirmed Barhale’s status as an employer of choice shaping teams with a reputation for innovation and exceptional engineering ability. The company is now one of the largest privately-owned infrastructure businesses in the UK, recognised by New Civil Engineer as the Tunnelling Contractor of the Year and by The Sunday Times as a Top 100 Place to Work.

Visit www.barhale.co.uk.