Thames Water awards Programme Partner framework to support future infrastructure delivery

• Thames Water has carried out a Programme Partner Framework procurement exercise to support the delivery of its Strategic Resource Options (SRO) Programme. 

• The proposed SROs form part of the company’s draft Water Resource Management Plan, which includes a potential new reservoir in Oxfordshire and a new river abstraction point on the River Thames supported by water recycling. 

• The framework will give the company access to professional support services worth up to £160m as it works to advance a number of strategic projects to address future water supply challenges. 

As part of this recent procurement exercise, Thames Water sought to work with partners that demonstrated extensive experience in the programme and project management of large complex infrastructure projects in the current UK planning environment. 

The Programme Partner Framework has been awarded to three lead entities, as follows: 

• Arcadis Consulting (UK) 
• Jacobs & Mott MacDonald JV

• Turner & Townsend Project Management 

 

Thames Water predicts that across London and the Thames Valley, it will need an additional 1 billion litres of water every day for its customers over the next 50 years. The framework will support the partnership work required to deliver the major infrastructure needed to meet the water scarcity challenges ahead, associated with climate change and a growing population.  

In announcing the successful completion of this framework procurement, Simon Adams, Programme Director for the SROs said: 

 “Following on from the recent announcement of our Technical Partner Framework, the implementation of the Programme Partner Framework marks another significant step forward for our Strategic Resource Options Programme. Together, these frameworks give us access to the breadth of specialist services required to ensure our projects are delivered efficiently and effectively.” 

Mohit Farmah, Head of Procurement and Supply Chain for the SROs added: 

”We look forward to working in collaboration with our new partners to deliver this programme of innovative projects, which will protect the environment and secure the future water supply for customers, in the face of population growth and climate change.”  

If you have any further queries on the above, please email SRO.supplychain@thameswater.co.uk. 

Gary Marsh, Account Manager for Thames Water at Arcadis said: “The Arcadis, Agilia Infrastructure Partners and Baringa team are delighted to further continue our long-standing relationships with Thames Water on their SRO programme. The Thames Water SRO programme is at the heart of securing a resilient, secure and integrated solution to the UK’s water supply challenges. We will bring our unique cross sector and water expertise across major UK and global infrastructure projects to support the delivery of this critical programme. 

We are excited to work in close collaboration with Thames Water, partner delivery organisations, partner water companies and regulators, to deliver these ground-breaking projects. The SRO projects will provide a lasting legacy for customers and stakeholders of both Thames Water and partner water companies for generations to come and completely aligns with our strategy of creating a Planet Positive Future.” 

James Corrigan, Managing Director for UK infrastructure at Turner & Townsend, Declan Mcgeeney, Director of UK Infrastructure at Laing O’Rourke and Hannah Quince, Chief of Staff at Nichols said: “We are delighted to be appointed as partners on Thames Water’s Programme Partner Framework and support the organisation in its ambitious plans to safeguard water security for future generations. 

The UK water industry is adapting to emerging pressures, including shifts in rainfall patterns, increased network demands, and heightened environmental regulations. These formidable challenges necessitate a fundamental reconsideration of investment strategies and asset management approaches within the sector. 

This unique partnership brings together our combined global knowledge in delivering major complex infrastructure programmes, each will bring its specific expertise to support Thames Water to realise the programme outcomes.” 

Kate Kenny, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Jacobs said on behalf of Jacobs - Mott MacDonald Joint Venture: 

“Jacobs and Mott MacDonald bring major program management capability across the entire water cycle and project lifecycle to support these complex projects. As program partner, we’re focused on helping Thames Water deliver critical, integrated water management and reuse solutions that protect communities and the environment for the long term.”