International consultant WSP is understood to be in talks over working on a kilometre-high tower in Dubai.

WSP is believed to be in discussions with developer Nakhel over the scheme, which would be a mixed-use development and could become Dubai’s tallest structure. Nakhel is a developer in Dubai.

WSP is also in the process of expanding its environmental capacity. This week the consultant announced its acquisition of US firm Environmental Strategies Consulting, an environmental and remediation business based in Reston, Virginia.

WSP will pay £5.3m for ESC, which has 10 offices in the US and employs 120 staff. For the three years to December 2005 turnover averaged £17.4m and pre-tax profit £1.3m.

WSP chief executive Chris Cole said: “We are absolutely delighted to secure this deal, which substantially increases our environmental capacity in the US market.

“ESC brings new blue chip clients to the WSP Group and will support our other activities in the region.”