25 July 2016

Sir John Armitt, President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), former Costain CEO and the civil engineer responsible for delivering the venues and infrastructure for the London 2012 Olympic Games, has welcomed Southern Water’s improvements to the wastewater treatment works currently under construction in Woolston (a project undertaken by 4D, a Costain joint venture).

Sir John is one of the most recognisable and influential civil engineers in the UK, delivering projects including the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, the Second Severn Bridge and the London 2012 Olympic Games arenas. He is a member of the new National Infrastructure Commission, following his review on UK infrastructure which recommended a Commission was established. He is also leading ICE’s independent, ‘needs assessment’ which will set out the country’s infrastructure needs up to 2050.

Visiting the site as part of the annual presidential visit to the South East of England, Sir John said: “Changes to our communities, their populations and environmental challenges, place new demands on our infrastructure networks. The work taking place in Woolston to modernise the wastewater treatment facility will ensure it can serve the local area and better meet its needs long into the future.

“The treated wastewater leaving the site will also meet new, higher environmental standards, and the works are designed to fit with the redevelopment of the wider area – this is an excellent example of a project that works with and for the local community, and contributes to environmental goals.”

On the region’s infrastructure, Sir John said: “The South East of England has seen a large increase in demand for housing over the past decade. New homes, however, can’t be delivered in isolation – they need modern infrastructure systems so residents have access to water, local transport, clean energy, waste facilities and the internet. It is vital that the region continues to invest in infrastructure as a key part of its strategy for growth.

”The UK as a whole must also continually upgrade and improve its infrastructure to meet our changing needs– whether that’s major motorways and rail lines or wastewater schemes like the one here in Woolston.” he added.

 

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