Costain has broadened its water leadership team to build on its existing success in the sector and position itself for further opportunities.

Matt Bateman joins the company as water sector director, where he will drive Costain’s strategic focus on growth in strong markets and delivering infrastructure programmes for water companies across the UK. Bateman was previously director of infrastructure development at Openreach, where he spearheaded huge growth in its public sector, residential and business infrastructure portfolios.

In addition, Gerard Shore, who previously led Costain’s water sector for six years, has been appointed as strategic programmes director for water. In this new role, Shore will be responsible for Costain’s existing and new positions in the strategic resource options market, which will see record-levels of long-term investment unlock water infrastructure projects across the UK, including new reservoirs and water transfers, securing future water supplies and improving drought resilience.

 Costain is currently delivering infrastructure services and capital delivery programmes for eight UK water companies, including AMP8 capital delivery programmes for Northumbrian Water, United Utilities and Southern Water.

In June, Costain secured a five-year extension to deliver hundreds of kilometres of new pipeline for Anglian Water as part of the Strategic Pipeline Alliance. Costain has also been conducting clay compaction trials to inform the design of the South East Strategic Reservoir Option, Thames Water’s planned 150Mm3 reservoir.

Sam White, managing director of natural resources at Costain, said: “Faced with the twin challenges of a growing population and climate change, the UK is upgrading essential infrastructure to ensure a continued supply of safe, secure water services. At the same time, water companies must achieve value for money as they meet the needs of their customers and their increased regulatory obligations during this crucial period for water investment.

“Under Matt and Gerard’s leadership, we’ll continue to serve our water customers as a trusted partner delivering predictable, best-in-class infrastructure, and will ensure they meet their business plan commitments. By working collaboratively and innovatively with our customers and supply chain partners, we’ll deliver infrastructure that will create a sustainable future and improve people’s lives for generations to come.”

Earlier in the year, Costain appointed Alistair Geddes as its new rail sector lead and Eva Soto Pérez as engineering services general manager.