The water authority has already awarded £1.2 billion worth of contracts for the first phase of the project, which have been won by Optimise, MGJV and GBM. These companies will be responsible for replacing Victorian-era water mains, extending the water and sewerage networks to accommodate future population growth and upgrading sewers to protect homes from flooding. In addition, water and sewerage treatment works will also be improved.

The tender process for one remaining base load contract is still being finalised, but should be awarded within the next fortnight.

Thames Water Chief Executive Martin Baggs said “Instead of letting numerous small contracts to lots of providers, we’re working with leading organisations to deliver the ‘base load’ of our investment program for the next five years.”

Mr Baggs hopes that this new approach will allow contractors to plan further ahead and be more efficient in terms of time and cost, thereby delivering better outcomes for customers.