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River Thames Scheme reaches key milestone - Launching the search for its construction partner

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 scheme.

The RTS is calling for 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 £300m 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 said: "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."

To participate and access the procurement documents, candidates must register on the Atamis portal at https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome and then search for project ref. C22875. The Contract Notice Reference is 2024/S 000-002786.

Notes to editors

  • 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.
  • The River Thames Scheme will reduce flood risk to people living and working near the Thames, improve existing river structures, create new areas of green spaces, high-quality wildlife habitats and cycle and footpaths. It will contribute to a vibrant local economy and maximise the social and environmental value of the river.
  • There have been serious floods in this area over the past 100 years, namely in 1947, 1968, 2003 and most recently between 2013/2014.
  • The RTS will build a flood alleviation channel in two sections alongside the River Thames to reduce flood risk to around 11,000 homes and 1,600 businesses between Egham and Shepperton. When complete, the new channels will look as much as possible like long-established river channels.
  • There will be increased capacity, downstream of the Desborough Cut (an engineered channel dug near Shepperton in the 1930s) and the weirs at Sunbury, Molesey and Teddington.
  • As a project of national significance, the RTS requires a type of consent known as a 'Development Consent Order' (DCO). A DCO removes the need to obtain several separate consents, including planning permission, and is designed to be a quicker process than applying for these separately. The DCO must be granted before full funding is approved and construction can begin.
  • The RTS is currently carrying out statutory consultation. This is a six-week process that began on 22 January and will run until 4 March. For more information about this and other aspects of the scheme please visit our website at www.riverthamesscheme.org.uk