Thames Water is seeking early market engagement with the supply chain and investors for its proposed new reservoir in Oxfordshire - the water company is encouraging interested parties to register their interest in participating in an event in March.
Image: Artist illustration of the proposed South East Strategic Reservoir (SESRO)
Contractors and investors are being invited to express their interest in participating in a series of engagement activities, including a spring market engagement event scheduled for 17th March 2025, to be held at a central London venue. Registration for the event will close on Friday 24 January 2025. (Click here to access the registration form and register your interest)
The reservoir, also known as the South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO), SESRO will be a regional asset and is being developed by Thames Water on behalf of three water companies - Thames Water itself, Affinity Water and Southern Water.
The reservoir has also been designated a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, with the government recently approving the company’s Water Resource Management Plan 2024, including the needs case for this major asset.
The project involves construction of a new bunded storage reservoir with a capacity of up to 150 million cubic meters and a surface area of approximately 7 square kilometres. The reservoir is expected to be operational by 2040.
This is the next stage in the company’s market engagement programme for the reservoir and Thames Water is encouraging interested parties to register their interest in participating.
Thames Water said the early market engagement will help develop a wider understanding of the delivery of the project from both a construction and investment perspective by showcasing two large scale future opportunities:
- Infrastructure Provider (IP): The IP will be responsible for taking forward the design, building, and financing the majority of assets within the SESRO project.
- Main Works Contractor (MWC): To construct and commission the assets under a target price contract, working initially with TW and then the IP once the IP contract is awarded.
The engagement presents an opportunity for Thames Water to collaborate with the market in refining its procurement approach and contracting terms. Additionally, it aims to encourage cross-party discussions that align the project's development with market trends, taking into account both contractor and investors perspectives.
Mohit Farmah - Head of Procurement and Supply Chain commented:
“We are excited to kick-start the year by getting the next stage of market engagement for our proposed reservoir underway. Contractors and investors have a crucial role to play in informing our approach and helping drive this vital project forward. We have been encouraged by the level of interest the market has shown to date. I encourage all interested parties to register their interest to engage with us and shape the future of this vital project, including our spring market engagement event on Monday 17 March.”
Participation and next steps
Interested organisations are invited to register their interest in the market engagement by completing the registration-of-interest form. Registration for the SESRO spring market engagement event taking place on Monday 17 March 2025, will close on the Friday 24 January 2025.
Suppliers who have any questions are asked to contact Thames Water’s market engagement team at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Click here to access the registration form and register your interest
Click here for more information about SESRO
Click here to access the PIN documentation
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