Portsdown sewage treatment works

Client: QinetiQ

Duration:

The existing sewage treatment works at Portsdown Technology Park were unsuitable for managing growth in the area.

The site is strategically important and the client, QinetiQ, engaged with M Group Rail & Aviation due to its extensive civil engineering expertise and experience working in restricted access sites, to provide a design and build solution.

Our main objective was to design and construct new sewage treatment works, which included essential upstream drainage repairs and the decommissioning of the existing facility.

The aim was to not only deliver the works but also support the local community through the use of local supply chain, while meeting the security requirements of the site.

Gaining approval of the project by Portsmouth City Council highlighted the significance of this improvement, contributing positively to both the client and the surrounding community.

Using our expertise in civil engineering, we established our supply chain to make sure operations were efficient on the small site. Our project management team, who held security clearances, ensured compliance with the necessary security protocols, allowing for uninterrupted work.

Early collaboration with the client, stakeholders and supply chain has enhanced community engagement and economic benefits. We coordinated closely with our in-house ecologists to protect the badger sets on site, and ensure biodiversity is supported throughout the construction process.

On completion of the project, we will have delivered the successful design and construction of a modern sewage treatment facility for QinetiQ, including an underground emergency storage tank, preventing overflow issues and safeguarding the local environment.

Construction works started in May 2025 and the new sewage treatment works will be handed over in March 2026.