Portsmouth Water to engage with supply chain over reservoir plans

Portsmouth Water is embarking on a procurement programme to build the first new water storage reservoir in the UK since the 1980s.

The water company, in collaboration with Southern Water, is planning to develop Havant Thicket Reservoir in Hampshire to secure vital drinking water supplies for the water-stressed South East and protect environmentally sensitive chalk streams. 

The reservoir is earmarked for a 160-hectare grassland site owned by Portsmouth Water and is scheduled to be operational by 2029. 

The company is preparing to launch a procurement programme for several packages of works associated with the project – including reservoir construction, pipeline installation, MEICA (Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control and Automation) works, environmental mitigation and leisure facilities with a visitors’ centre. 

Bob Taylor, chief executive of Portsmouth Water, said: “We’re in a privileged position to be progressing the first water storage reservoir to be built in the UK for decades as the region’s water supplies are put under pressure by climate change, housing growth and the need to protect our natural environment. 

“We’re very much looking forward to engaging with companies at all tiers in the supply chain who have an interest in delivering this project successfully for current and future generations. We’re also keen to maximise opportunities for local employment, as well as develop skills and leave a really positive legacy in our communities.”  

The company is holding the Supply Chain Engagement Event on 25 March 2020, in Havant, Hampshire, for all tiers of the supply chain, when it will brief local, regional and national suppliers on the plans for the reservoir and associated works. 

Suppliers will have an informal opportunity to engage with the company, explore opportunities to be involved and share feedback on the proposals. 

Taylor added: “We want to ensure our approach maximises market interest and value, as well as ensuring we can benefit from innovation and community involvement. 

“This is a flagship project for the South East and it’s likely to be the first of several significant water resource infrastructure developments in coming years, so for this reason we’re keen to start early dialogue with suppliers with relevant experience.”