In a key milestone for the River Thames Scheme (RTS), partners The Environment Agency and Surrey County Council have launched the next phase of their search for a construction partner to build the £300 million scheme.

Image: River Thames Scheme route map

The RTS has gone out to tender with a contract inviting suppliers to tender and is inviting potential candidates to fill out a selection questionnaire designed to find out more about their skills, experience and suitability.

The scheme is expecting to shortlist between four and six candidates for Invitation to Tender following the selection questionnaire process. Following an evaluation of initial tender responses, up to three tenderers will then progress to the negotiation stage, with the contract due to be awarded in 2025.

The £300 million package of works will include the creation of more than five miles (8km) of new flood channels to carry excess rainfall from the Thames, reducing the risk of the river overflowing and devastating communities through flooding. The scheme will also improve existing river structures downstream; and deliver a new landscape so communities can benefit from quality green open space, active travel routes in an environment richer in wildlife and biodiversity.

The RTS will protect more than 11,000 homes and 1,600 businesses as well as key elements of infrastructure.

Work will take place between Teddington in Greater London and Egham in Surrey, one of the largest areas of undefended, developed flood plain in England. With flooding increasing as the climate changes, the RTS will take a landscape-based approach to creating a more resilient and sustainable community.

The chosen partner will lead in the construction of the two sections of the flood alleviation channel. The first of these is the Runnymede section, from Egham Hythe to Chertsey, while the second is the Spelthorne section, between Laleham and Shepperton.

Other works include:

• Increasing the flow capacity of existing weirs at Sunbury, Molesey and Teddington
• Increasing capacity near the Desborough Cut
• Utility diversion works
• New road and pedestrian bridges to accommodate the new channel sections
• New permanent compounds for Environment Agency operational use
• Demolition of residential properties to make way for the Runnymede channel
• Landscaping works, including creation of areas for community areas post-construction and areas of habitat to mitigate impacts during construction
• Earthworks including excavation, material storage, treatment, logistics and disposal of material including landfill waste, topsoil, alluvium and gravels

The RTS has been designated an infrastructure project of national significance. This means it must be granted a Development Consent Order (DCO) before construction can begin. As part of the DCO preparation process the RTS launched a six-week statutory consultation on 22 January. This involves extensive engagement with residents, stakeholders and communities along the scheme route and includes both in-person and virtual (online) events.

Caroline Douglass, Executive Director for Flood and Coastal Risk Management at the Environment Agency, said:

“This is a huge opportunity for firms in the civil engineering and construction sector and represents a vital step forward in progressing the RTS. Our aim now is to build a shortlist of potential partners with the skills and vision to deliver this unique scheme.”

Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Marisa Heath added:

“This is a really exciting moment for the River Thames Scheme and we're looking forward to hearing from potential construction partners. The scheme will be transformational to our residents, providing vital flood risk reduction while also helping to enhance quality of life, boosting biodiversity and fostering economic growth. Throughout the length of the scheme, there will be many opportunities for a range of suppliers and we encourage local businesses to get involved.”

The scheme's wider partners include Elmbridge Borough Council, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Runnymede Borough Council, Spelthorne Borough Council, Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, Thames Water, Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership.

Initerested suppliers will need to be registered on the Defra Atamis procurement portal. 

Deadline to submit tenders is 22 March 2024 - click here to access the tender documentation.