Contract Awards

Costain Group PLC
11 February 2003

                           COSTAIN GROUP PLC



Costain Group PLC ('Costain') announces that it has been awarded preferred
bidder status on a major UK science project and has won a water contract in
Botswana.


Costain named for Synchrotron project


Costain has been named the preferred bidder for the construction of the Diamond
Synchrotron Light Source, the largest scientific facility to be built in the UK
for 30 years.


The facility, to be built on the site of the CCLRC Rutherford Appleton
Laboratory near Chilton in Oxfordshire, will produce pinpoint ultraviolet and
X-ray beams of exceptional brightness. These highly focused light beams will
enable scientists and engineers to probe deep into the basic structure of matter
and materials answering fundamental questions about everything from the building
blocks of life to the origin of our planet.


Diamond Light Source Ltd, a joint venture between CCLRC and the Wellcome Trust
is awarding the construction contract, valued at approximately £60 million.


Costain will begin on the enabling works immediately and the main contract will
start in October 2003.  Completion is due in Summer 2005.


Stuart Doughty, Chief Executive of Costain, said:


'We are delighted to be involved in a building of such scientific significance.
Costain has been associated with many landmark UK projects in its history and
the Diamond Synchrotron will enable us to continue this tradition.'


Botswana Joint Venture


Meanwhile, Costain, in joint venture with one of its major shareholders,
Kharafi, has been awarded an £18m water contract in Botswana.  The contract, to
carry out the Palapye Village Sanitation project, was awarded by the Department
of Water Affairs.


The contract is for the design and construction of two pumping stations and five
sewage lift stations which will be undertaken simultaneously with the expansion
and decommissioning of sewage treatment works.


The construction period is two years and the completed works will be maintained
and operated for one year by the joint venture.


Peter Adams, Managing Director of Costain International, said:


'This contract fits in with our strategy of working in joint venture with major
shareholders overseas and targeting Africa as one of our specialist regions.'




                                                                11 February 2003

Enquiries


Costain                          Tel: [phone]
Graham Read


College Hill                      Tel: [phone]
Mark Garraway


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