Wessex Water takes 51 per cent stake in Albion Water

Wessex Water has announced a joint venture (JV) with Albion Water, which will see the incumbent take a 51 per cent stake in the independent supplier.

Wessex chief executive Colin Skellett, who will be chair of the JV, unveiled the agreement at the Water UK City Conference in London, saying: “There is tremendous pressure for new housing and through our partnership with Albion Water we will be able to help ensure new developments are properly supported with the highest service levels – benefiting developers and residents as well as protecting the environment.”

Albion chief executive Jerry Bryan said the JV will give his company the “financial and technical strength” to meet a growing demand for sustainable and resilient solutions for new housing.

“Many developers are seeking more sustainable and affordable solutions for new housing and the conventional water company approach can often be unacceptable on the grounds of cost and environmental impact,” he added.

Albion Water is developing the ecosystem services approach to the provision of a growing range of community services, of which water supply and wastewater management are key components.

The company is currently working with major developers and house builders to provide more innovative and sustainable solutions.

Bryan said: “We design, construct and operate systems that reduce per capita consumption of potable water to a low and sustainable level and we are looking to maximise energy recovery and environmental benefits from local treatment of wastewater.

“The need for new housing provides significant employment and technology development opportunities in addition to environmental and customer benefits.

“Through our new partnership with Wessex Water, which itself has an excellent reputation for innovation, we will be able to provide new sustainable solutions for developers.”