Project Insight: Northumbrian Water Pelton Community Primary School Project
Ensuring delivery excellence in our support of Northumbrian Water
In this interview, Project Manager, Matthew Simpson, walks us through his involvement in Northumbrian Water’s first AMP8 project at Pelton Community Primary School, where he was a former pupil.
Could you please set the scene in terms of the Northumbrian Water project and your involvement?
The project is an overall sewer upgrade to the existing network, which runs adjacent to and through the school grounds. Delivered in collaboration with fellow partners, it involves the construction of two new sewer manholes on the main road outside the school, which leads to a 580m³ storage before connecting back to the existing sewer located within the school grounds. The project’s main aim is to help reduce spills in the local network, improve the area’s current infrastructure, and in doing so, improve overall water quality. The bulk of the works are being delivered and completed during the six-week school summer holidays, to minimise disruption to residents and pupils.
The works form part of Northumbrian Water’s £8m investment in the County Durham village of Pelton, comprising of two consecutive schemes that will reduce spills from two Storm Overflows (SOs) by more than 65%. Work across the two neighbouring schemes is set to run into late summer 2026.
How does it feel to lead a project at your former school?
Honestly, it just fills me with pride. I’ve been around the school to assess the site a few times since the announcement, and I had the pleasure of recognising teachers that were there when I was a pupil – bearing in mind I’m 31 now!
Has the school changed much since you attended?
Funnily enough, I have a picture of me in the school’s football team, and where we’re stood, is where an area of the new school building is. I vividly remember moving over to the new school building in my final year here! A lot has changed, but then again, the memories feel as poignant as ever, I’m just excited to be able to give back to a place that means a lot to me.
Do you still live local to the school?
Yes, just around the corner. When I was a pupil here, my family house was just a stone’s throw away too; it brings back a lot of fond memories.
In terms of the works, how is it all being delivered and what kind of planning goes into something of this size and significance?
Essential to the delivery of this project is minimal disruption to the school, its pupils and the community. We have diligently set up perimeter fencing and will enter the site through the adjoining fields, where the tank will sit. Doing this will ensure a safe and timely delivery, the same way we operate on any other site.
Are there any plans to enhance the school and its facilities during the six-week project timeframe?
Absolutely. One of the most important parts of this entire project, in collaboration with Northumbrian Water and fellow delivery partners, is to support and inspire the next generation. Obviously, I never knew this would be the path I would take, but now that I have, I’m passionate about giving young people that awareness and understanding of what it means, why it’s important and how it benefits everyone.
Some of the enhancements to the school’s facilities we have planned include regrading a dried-out pond with a French drainage system, creating a wildlife planting area, returfing worn areas of the children’s play area, repairing the surrounding fencing and laying unused pipework to facilitate the creation of new wildlife habitats. These improvements will be ready for the new school year, providing students with an exciting welcome back. We also have various STEM activities planned throughout the duration of this project, hosting a garden design competition for the pupils and everything in between. I’m genuinely excited to see how it unfolds.
How does the school feel about it all?
Just massively supportive. My connection to the school offers that reassurance that everything happening is about enhancing the area. It’s just the start too, I’m excited for them to see the finished product – that’s what will feel the most rewarding.
I’d like to thank Pelton Primary School, Northumbrian Water and our partners for their continued support. We’ll keep you all updated as we move forward!
Delivering essential works as a trusted partner of Northumbrian Water
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