Sellafield Ltd has awarded three major contracts worth up to £2.9 billion to deliver critical non-nuclear infrastructure projects at its site in Cumbria.
The contracts have been secured by Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Costain Limited, and HOCHTIEF (UK) Construction Ltd, who will work together as part of the new Infrastructure Delivery Partnership (IDP).
This long-term partnership will be responsible for essential infrastructure across the Sellafield site — including electricity distribution, water systems, roads, rail links, bridges, foundations, and security facilities.
Designed to deliver long-term value, the IDP aims to boost investment in skills, innovation, sustainability, and local capability, benefiting both Sellafield and the surrounding communities.
The agreements will run for an initial nine years, with the option to extend for a further six years, potentially taking the partnership through to 2040.
The work is divided into three key areas:
- Electrical Distribution Partner: Morgan Sindall Infrastructure
- Utilities Partner: Costain Limited
- Civils Partner: HOCHTIEF (UK) Construction Ltd
Each partner will manage detailed design, procurement, construction, installation, commissioning, and handover of their respective projects.
Beyond delivering infrastructure, the contracts carry strong commitments to social impact and community development in west Cumbria. This includes:
- Supporting local business growth and supply chain access
- Creating new jobs and training opportunities
- Developing a skilled local workforce
- Offering apprenticeships, internships, and work placements
- Contributing employee volunteering hours to local charities and community groups
The partners will also work together on a joint sustainability plan, aligning with regional priorities to ensure maximum benefit and long-term impact.
The IDP represents a major step forward in Sellafield Ltd’s Overarching Acquisition Strategy, replacing the previous Infrastructure Strategic Alliance and marking a new chapter in the site’s development and regeneration.
James Riddick, Sellafield Ltd chief supply chain officer, said:
“Our job at Sellafield is to create a clean and safe environment for future generations.
That means safely, securely, and cost effectively dealing with the legacy of historic operations on our site.
To deliver this we need robust and reliable infrastructure to support our nuclear decommissioning and waste management activities.
IDP is a long-term strategic partnership designed to provide that support while unlocking investment and opportunities for our local community and delivering sustainable value for money to the taxpayer.
We’re excited to welcome our new partners, and we look forward to working together to progress our mission while creating transformational and enduring social value”.
Alex Vaughan, chief executive officer of Costain, commented:
“This new contract award with Sellafield, with whom we have been working with since 2005, is testament to our strategy of developing long-term relationships with tier 1 customers, building strong and collaborative partnerships, broadening our service offering, and maintaining consistency and continuity of workflows.
This long-term award further demonstrates our integral position in the UK’s civil nuclear energy market. The Government is clear that the safe and responsible decommissioning of the UK’s nuclear legacy is a critical part of creating a sustainable future and delivering local and national economic prosperity. As one of Sellafield’s trusted partners we will deliver safe, high-quality utilities upgrades in a complex working environment”t.
Simon Smith, managing director, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, said:
“We have been delivering in West Cumbria for over 15 years, and we are delighted to build on this further with the award of the Infrastructure Delivery Partnership. This long-term programme is not only nationally significant for Sellafield and its decommissioning programme, but we know first-hand the benefits to local communities and the region from an award of this nature.
This award reflects the brilliant work our teams have delivered and continue to deliver”.
Juan Santamaría Cases, CEO of HOCHTIEF said:
“HOCHTIEF has an unbroken legacy in the nuclear sector since the 1950s and is a trusted partner in engineering and construction for some of the world’s most critical nuclear programmes. Together with Sellafield and its delivery partners, we have secured this strategic, long-term partnership. The award builds on HOCHTIEF’s expanding portfolio of long-term delivery contracts with globally significant clients across the nuclear and infrastructure sectors”.