Firms on alert over race to build near £6bn reservoir in Oxfordshire for Thames Water

Thames Water has begun the race to find a contractor to build a £5.7bn reservoir it is planning in Oxfordshire.

In an update this morning, the water company said the White Horse Reservoir will be able to hold 150 billion litres and was “the largest water infrastructure investment in a generation”.

The utility wants a main works contractor to design, build, test and commission the reservoir which would be situated south-west of Abingdon.

The proposed reservoir would supply water locally in Oxfordshire and Wiltshire, through to Hampshire and London.

Interested firms have until 24 April to send in requests to participate while an online application briefing event will be held on 11 February with firms being required to register their interest by noon the day before..

Thames Water’s head of procurement and supply chain Mohit Farmah said: “We’re seeking a contractor with the vision, capability and track record to deliver one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects, ensuring value for money for our customers.”

Work includes designing and planning construction, from excavation to building embankments and laying pipelines.

The company said that it will begin a statutory consultation ahead of a Development Consent Order application, which will be submitted to government later this year. If the scheme gets the green light, Thames Water said the reservoir will be up and running by 2040.

Around 1,800 jobs are set to be created during construction and Thames Water chief executive Chris Weston added: “The reservoir represents one of the most significant investments in water infrastructure the country has seen in decades.

“Once built it would be one of the largest in the country, providing water to millions, supporting new homes and development, and creating an exciting new destination where people can unwind and connect with nature.”