Water firm seeks contractors for £5bn reservoir projects
Anglian Water is inviting contractors to express interest in constructing two multibillion-pound, multi-decade reservoirs in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire.
The company plans to begin the procurement process for a main contractor to handle the detailed design and construction of the Lincolnshire and Fens reservoirs in January 2027.
Main contractors will need to draw on the “extensive involvement and expertise” of tier two and three supply chain specialists.
The contractor’s responsibilities will extend beyond groundwork and building and will include the construction of water treatment plants and MEICA (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control, and automation) engineering.
As part of its market engagement, Anglian Water is seeking contractor input on the optimal packaging of the works, which includes not just the reservoirs but also surrounding drains, pipelines, and treatment facilities.
The company also plans to collaborate with specialist firms to refine its approach to delivering these projects.
Construction of the Lincolnshire Reservoir, which will be 2.6km wide and 3.2km long, is expected to begin between 2029 and 2031, with the earliest service date of 2039.
The Fens Reservoir, located about 30 miles north of Cambridge, will be slightly smaller at 2.6km wide and 2.4km long, with an anticipated operational date starting in 2036. Both reservoirs are designed to hold 50m cubic metres of water.
The projects will likely include additional infrastructure such as open channels, pipelines, inter-catchment treatment works, potable treatment works, potable transfer systems, and break pressure tanks.
The Fens Reservoir will require approximately 65 kilometres of downstream transfers, while the Lincolnshire Reservoir will need around 55 kilometres.
Anglian Water has asked interested contractors to complete a questionnaire, with plans to conduct follow-up discussions with selected firms.
