W A Fairhurst and Partners

Fairhurst is a major UK-based multidisciplinary engineering consultancy with a history spanning over 120 years. The firm originated as a civil and structural design practice and has since evolved into a client-focused multidisciplinary consultancy. Its current service offerings include geo-environmental, traffic and transportation, rail, water, planning, landscape, health and safety, and mining services. Fairhurst operates as one of the largest partnerships of consulting engineers in the UK, employing approximately 400 staff across 16 principal offices. The firm also extends its operations to other locations through partnering arrangements with various clients, contractors, and fellow consultants.

The company's success is attributed to lasting relationships and repeat business, which enables the firm to develop an in-depth understanding of client needs. This approach allows Fairhurst to tailor its services to provide engineering solutions designed to add value. In a dynamic business environment, the firm aims to maintain its position through the personal involvement of its Partners and by fostering a skilled and local workforce. This workforce is tasked with producing cost-effective, sustainable, and creative design solutions, with responsiveness and flexibility reflected in the firm's service delivery.

Fairhurst provides engineering and design consultancy services, focusing on innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions for challenging environments. The firm's multidisciplinary team drives innovation and sustainability across various sectors, including the UK’s energy sector. Fairhurst is trusted by power companies, cable suppliers, installers, and specialist energy civil engineering contractors, delivering large-scale transmission projects from concept to completion across the UK. Beyond energy, the firm's expertise extends to civil engineering, structural engineering, roads and bridges, geotechnical and environmental services, transport planning, landscape and urban design, water engineering, health and safety, and mining legacy specialisms.

Fairhurst possesses experience in the purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sector, contributing engineering and design consultancy services to various projects. The firm acted as a structural engineer for "The Pepper Mill," a 155-bed PBSA development in Edinburgh, which achieved a BREEAM “Excellent” rating and incorporated Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs) and a WiredScore 'Platinum' rating. Fairhurst was also involved in Project Aquila, a student accommodation development in Bath city centre providing 181 student beds. For this project, the firm managed negotiations related to building close to a strategic sewer and railway line, and designed a piled foundation solution and drainage attenuation. Additionally, the company served as a lead consultant for the Sheraton Park student accommodation scheme in Durham, which involved the extension, refurbishment, and new build of facilities. In this project, Fairhurst's structural and landscape architects contributed to assessing options for student units and respecting the site's character. Other related projects include the Teesside University – Student Life Building, University of St Andrew's – Alumno, and the Net-Zero Carbon Accommodation Programme (NetCAP).