This represents a flagship project to construct the first new strategic water resource, and corresponding pipeline, in the South East for decades. Construction work is anticipated to start on the Havant Thicket Reservoir Project (the "Project") in 2024, for completion by 2029. The Project is the product of collaborative regional water planning particularly between Portsmouth Water and Southern Water, and forms a key step in increasing water resilience in the South East. The procurement of the main works contractor for pipeline construction works was carried out together with the procurement of the framework agreement for wider design services, together advertised in FTS Contract Notice 2021/S 000-000072. However, this award notice relates only to the award of the main pipeline works contract. It is anticipated that the framework agreement will be the subject of a separate award notice once the framework agreement has been completed.

The Main Works Pipeline (Pipeline) Contract encompasses a contract for the construction of a 4.6km long 1200/700m dia. bi-directional pipeline running from Bedhampton pumping station to the Havant Thicket Reservoir (the 'Pipeline Contract').

The NEC4 ECC Option C (Target Cost with Activity Schedule) is the form of contract for the Pipeline Contract.

The most economically advantageous Tenderer as defined in the ITT has been awarded the Pipeline Contract.