River Thames Scheme ECC Contract (Datchet to Teddington)

Tender description

The River Thames between Datchet and Teddington has the largest area of undefended, developed floodplain in England. Over 15,000 homes and businesses within the area are at risk from flooding. Major flooding in this area would cause severe disruption to the local and regional road network. It would suspend several major drinking water abstractions supplying the South East and threaten up to 20 local electricity sub-stations. The River Thames Scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to homes, businesses and critical infrastructure (roads, sewerage network, power supplies) between Datchet and Teddington. This Market Sounding is focussing on the commercial options for the main delivery of the River Thames Scheme which is the capacity improvement and flood channel works (CI & FC). The flood channel will be between 30 and 60 metres wide and 17 kilometres long, built in 3 sections, including: - Channel Section 1 (CS1): Datchet to Hythe End - Channel Section 2 (CS2): Egham Hythe to Chertsey - Channel Section 3 (CS3): Laleham to Shepperton The channels will reduce the depth and extent of flooding in reach 3 considerably, and additional works will be required at 3 weirs including; Sunbury, Molesey and Teddington, further downstream of the new channel, to increase capacity and mitigate downstream effects of the new channels. There will also be works required to increase the capacity of the Desborough Cut and to provide flood storage at Ham Lands. The Environment Agency are looking to explore opportunities to develop a delivery solution for the River Thames Scheme. Our current project programme plans to initiate a procurement exercise towards the end of 2018 with contract award anticipated in Summer 2020 (subject to required approvals). We are seeking feedback from the supply market to help us shape our future commercial delivery model to ensure delivery in the most efficient and effective way.