Thames Water has urged contractors to join talks over two major contracts for the delivery of a new £2.2bn reservoir in Oxfordshire.
The utility giant issued a formal notice of forthcoming market engagement over the proposed South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) scheme.
Covering a surface area of 7 square kilometres, and with a capacity of up to 150 million cubic metres, the Abingdon facility could supply 15 million people in southern England with water.
It has been designated a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and should be operational by 2040.
According to the Planning Inspectorate, a planning application is expected to be submitted in September-November 2026.
Thames Water wishes to outline two major contracts on the scheme in a series of engagement exercises.
It said an infrastructure provider would be responsible for designing, building and financing the majority of assets within the SESRO project.
Meanwhile, a main works contractor will construct and commission the assets under a target-price contract, working with the infrastructure provider once one is in place.
While formal procurement is expected to begin in October, Thames Water has called for interest in a series of discussion opportunities including an event in central London on 17 March.
“This engagement presents an opportunity for Thames Water to collaborate with the market in refining its procurement approach and contracting terms,” said yesterday’s notice.
“Additionally, it aims to encourage cross-party discussions that align the project’s development with market trends, taking into account the perspectives of both main works contractors and investors.”
The Abingdon reservoir is designed to support Thames Water, Southern Water and Affinity Water in delivering a safe and secure supply of water during periods of drought. It would also meet the pressures of climate change and a growing population.
Mohit Farmah, head of procurement and supply chain at Thames Water, said: “We are excited to kick-start the year by getting the next stage of market engagement for our proposed reservoir underway.
“Contractors and investors have a crucial role to play in informing our approach and helping drive this vital project forward. We have been encouraged by the level of interest the market has shown to date.
“I encourage all interested parties to register their interest to engage with us and shape the future of this vital project, including our spring market engagement event on 17 March.”
Registration for the event closes on 24 January.
Three other new reservoir projects are planned in the UK: earthworks and ground improvements will begin at Havant Thicket, ahead of above-ground construction next year; and two reservoirs are envisaged in the £5bn Fens and Lincoln project, with a contract due to be awarded in 2027.
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Greg Pitcher