The eight-year deal is worth up to £20m a year and covers planned and emergency maintenance across the utility’s sewer network, delivered 24/7 year-round.

It cements a 25-year relationship between Esh and Northumbrian Water, with the framework viewed internally as a cornerstone contract for the regional builder.

Esh will carry out traditional and trenchless sewer repairs, including pipework rehabilitation and manhole replacements. Sewer blockage clearance will make up the bulk of day-to-day work.

Around 200 workers from Esh and drainage specialist Jet Aire – its main delivery partner – will support the framework.

Esh operates from County Durham and Cramlington and will run a regional delivery model focused on local recruitment and supply.

The award follows Esh’s recent spots on the Ecosystem Framework and the Esh-Stantec joint venture on the 12-year Living Water Enterprise Framework.