Contractors are being invited to feed their ideas into two water infrastructure schemes in the South West of England, together worth an estimated £1.35bn.
South West Water is preparing to procure a Competitively Appointed Provider (CAP) to deliver the Cheddar 2 Reservoir while Wessex Water intends to appoint a CAP to deliver its Poole Water Recycling and Transfer Project.
The Cheddar 2 Reservoir project includes an 8,200-megalitre earth embankment reservoir next to the existing Cheddar Reservoir, a new water treatment works, and approximately 75km of potable water transfer pipeline connecting the Bristol area to customers in Devon.
Construction will involve major excavation, earthmoving, and siteworks, as well as mechanical and electrical installations.
The estimated capital value is £750m, with total lifetime costs forecast at £1bn, excluding VAT.
Meanwhile, Wessex Water’s plans include a new 30 megalitre-per-day recycling centre at Corfe Mullen, a pipeline transfer from the existing Poole facility, new discharge infrastructure, and creation of wetlands.
Key construction elements include ground-drainage, civil engineering structures, and installation of mechanical treatment equipment.
The estimated capital cost is £170m, with lifetime costs expected to reach £345m, both excluding VAT.
Both projects are part of the West Country Water and Environment Group’s regional programme.
South West Water and Wessex Water said the briefing will support development of their procurement and commercial models through early dialogue with contractors and investors.
Construction work on both schemes is due to begin in July 2029.
Tender notices will be issued in July 2027, with appointments expected in May 2029. The CAPs will be expected to manage design, construction, financing and operation over 25-year contract terms.
Architect appointments have not yet been announced.
Source: Gov.uk Find a Tender
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Colin Marrs