Sir Robert McAlpine has sealed a construction management deal with Tata Steel to build its new low carbon steelworks at Port Talbot in South Wales.

The steel producer is investing £1.25bn in constructing a new electric arc furnace, ladle furnaces and associated works within the existing site.

Sir Robert McAlpine will manage the main, civil, structural and building works required for the construction of a new electric arc furnace-based steel production facility that will produce around three million tonnes of steel per year.

Tata Steel’s EAF Project Lead, Peter Jones, said: “Our new arc furnace will be one of the largest and most sophisticated of its kind in the world, so it is important that we work with highly skilled and experienced partners on this once-in-a-generation investment project.”

The project will be delivered over a three-year construction programme, with enabling works starting in the first quarter of this year.

Main civil, structural and building works will then start in the autumn, subject to planning approval.

The ambitious project hopes to make Port Talbot the leading centre for low-CO₂ steel production

Sir Robert McAlpine has been working closely with Tata Steel UK since September 2022, supporting with the feasibility studies associated with the construction of the new facility.

Craig Allen, managing director of Industrial at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “We are proud to be part of the decarbonisation of Port Talbot steelworks, which will play a pivotal role in turning the Port Talbot site into a world-leading hub for sustainable steel production.

“We look forward to working collaboratively, as part of a fully Integrated Project Team, to deliver the project successfully.”