Thames appoints Arup/Binnies JV as technical partner for Abingdon reservoir

Thames Water has appointed an Arup and Binnies joint venture as its technical partner to lead development proposals for the Abingdon reservoir in Oxfordshire.

The appointment followed a competitive process under the recently established Thames Water Strategic Resource Option Technical Partner Framework. The deal gives Thames access to technical experts with major infrastructure project experience including engineering design, environmental assessment, planning, and land access and acquisition.

Separately, both Arup and Binnies have supported the design and construction of London’s Thames Tideway Tunnel and are playing a pivotal role in the design of the Fens and Lincs Reservoirs.

The joint venture will play a crucial role in ensuring the company is ready to submit a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the reservoir in 2026.

The Abingdon reservoir will help to secure future water supply for around 15m people across south east England. Thames forecasts that across London and the Thames Valley, it will need an extra 1bn litres of water every day by 2050.