Thames Water has appointed WS Atkins plc as part of a design and build consortia with Veolia Water and Costain to deliver a significant proportion of its £3 billion AMP6 investment programme.

Under a new alliance model, Thames Water has brought together two design and build consortia, a programme manager and a technology and innovation provider.

Collectively they will be responsible for delivering essential upgrades to water pipes, treatment facilities and sewers in the London and Thames Valley regions between 2015 – 2020.

The deal will "help smooth the transition between the cyclical funding periods so that key skills and capabilities are retained within the sector," said prof Dr Uwe Krueger, Atkins' chief executive officer.

"Atkins and our joint venture and alliance partners will help Thames Water achieve the good value, innovative, sustainable and effective solutions it demands for its millions of customers,” added Krueger.