Thames Water appoints Arup Binnies JV for the Abingdon reservoir project.
- The partnership will focus on engineering design and environmental assessment.
- If approved, the project will begin in 2029 and finish by 2040.
- The reservoir aims to supply water for 15 million people in several regions.
- SESRO is a response to expected population growth and water demand.
Thames Water has brought on board the Arup Binnies Joint Venture to serve as the technical partner for a planned reservoir near Abingdon, Oxfordshire. This partnership signifies a crucial development for the South East Strategic Reservoir Option, also known as SESRO, which is set to address future water supply challenges.
The Arup Binnies Joint Venture will collaborate with Thames Water’s strategic resource options team, focusing on delivering a range of technical services. These services encompass engineering design, environmental assessment, as well as planning and land access and acquisition. Should government approval be secured, Arup Binnies will also engage in the development consent order application targeted for submission in 2026.
The projected timeline outlines that, contingent upon approval, construction of the reservoir could commence in 2029, with an anticipated completion by 2040. This timeline underscores the long-term planning and complexity inherent in developing such significant infrastructure.
Designed to span a surface area of 6.7 square kilometres and capable of holding 150 million cubic metres of water, the SESRO reservoir is envisioned as a vital infrastructure project. It will cater to the water needs of approximately 15 million customers across the Thames Water, Southern Water, and Affinity Water catchment areas, provided planning consent is achieved.
The need for this reservoir stems from forecasts predicting that London and the Thames Valley will require an additional 1 billion litres of water daily by 2050. This anticipated demand is driven by the expectation of two million more residents in these regions within the next three decades.
Mohit Farmah, head of procurement at Thames Water, emphasised the importance of leveraging a global supply chain of technical experts to ensure the reservoir proposals adhere to world-class standards. He highlighted that SESRO not only represents a nationally significant infrastructure project but also plays a crucial role in supporting the health and wellbeing of millions, alongside economic and environmental benefits.
Arup Binnies Joint Venture’s involvement is pivotal to ensuring the successful delivery of the SESRO project, aligning with future water needs and regional growth.
