Thames Water, the UK’s leading provider of water and wastewater services, has unveiled the FA2050 Technical Partner Framework to bolster its groundbreaking Strategic Resource Options (SRO) program. This framework, valued at £300 million and spanning up to eight years, signifies a crucial step in Thames Water’s dedication to ensuring sustainable management of water resources for the future.

Guided by a stringent gated process set forth by the Regulators’ Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development (RAPID), the SRO program is pivotal in addressing the evolving needs of both the community and the environment. It ensures rigorous adherence to quality standards and regulatory prerequisites throughout the developmental phases.

The Arup Binnies joint venture (JV), alongside two other suppliers, is primed to spearhead three pivotal SRO initiatives:

1. South East Strategic Reservoir Option – This initiative entails constructing a new reservoir in the Upper Thames catchment area to store water abstracted from the river during periods of high flow. This stored water would then be released to meet demand during peak periods.
2. Severn to Thames Transfer – This project involves transferring water from the River Severn to the River Thames, either through the establishment of a new pipeline or by restoring the Cotswold canals.
3. London Water Recycling – Under this scheme, water abstracted from the Thames will be replaced with recycled water from treatment facilities. This innovative approach not only provides additional resources from the river but also safeguards river levels and protects riverine habitats.

These projects are distinguished by their substantial scale and complexity, surpassing typical water utility capital delivery programs. The new framework encompasses a wide array of services across numerous disciplines, including engineering, environmental management, planning, land management, stakeholder engagement, project management, and consultation analysis.

Scott Aitken, Managing Director of Binnies UK, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “The Arup Binnies joint venture is thrilled to support Thames Water’s ambitious objectives through the Strategic Resource Options. Our team offers a strategic, comprehensive, and adaptable approach tailored to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”

Paula Walsh, incoming Chair of Arup UK, India, Middle East, and Africa Region, commented, “Arup is honored to be a global leader in water solutions, with significant experience in the UK, having worked on projects for Thames Tideway Tunnel, the Environment Agency, and Natural Resources Wales, among others. We are proud to collaborate with Thames Water in advancing more sustainable water solutions. Despite the complexities and challenges of these projects, we are confident that our diverse experience will enable us to develop nature-led sustainable designs for these major infrastructure developments. We are committed to addressing the climate emergency by delivering secure, sustainable, and resilient solutions that will leave a positive legacy for future generations.”