The UK’s civil engineering contractors have today welcomed Thames Water’s £5.7 billion tender notice for the White Horse Reservoir in Oxfordshire, a nationally-significant project that represents a major step forward for the nation’s long-term water and climate resilience.
The announcement is a significant milestone in delivering nine new reservoirs across the UK, which will be a significant enabler for house building and infrastructure capacity.
The newly-named 150 billion litre White Horse Reservoir will secure water supply for 15 million people across the South East, and will create around 1,800 new jobs during construction, unlocking economic growth and opportunities.
Commenting, Director of Policy & Public Affairs for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Ben Goodwin said: “Coming on the back of this week’s water White Paper, this announcement shows the step-change the UK infrastructure sector is engaged in in reforming our water sector, building capacity for the future, and delivering for communities.
“CECA members stand ready to play a central role in delivering this complex and strategically vital scheme, and we look forward to working with Thames Water, regulators, and government at all levels to ensure that procurement, planning, and delivery frameworks enable the scheme to be delivered on time and on budget.
“The delivery of major new water infrastructure will deliver economic growth across the South East and further afield, creating opportunities for contractors, from larger firms to local, regional, and specialist suppliers.
“The White Horse Reservoir will not only secure timely, efficient, and value-for-money outcomes for the customer and the businesses and communities it will serves, but will support new homes, schools, hospitals, and community spaces.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for CECA members to do what they do best – deliver world-class infrastructure, create new, highly-skilled jobs, and deliver for the communities in which they work.”
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