River Thames Scheme opens tender for civils partner

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

“This is a huge opportunity for firms in the civil engineering and construction sector and represents a vital step forward in progressing the RTS,” said Caroline Douglass, executive director for flood and coastal risk management at the Environment Agency.

”Our aim now is to build a shortlist of potential partners with the skills and vision to deliver this unique scheme.”

Civils tender

The RTS, announced back in 2022, has a £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.

It also aims to 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.

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 said the project 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, demolition of residential properties to make way for the Runnymede channel and landscaping works, including creation of areas for community areas post-construction and areas of habitat to mitigate impacts during construction

Because 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. 

The RTS is calling for potential candidates to fill out a selection questionnaire designed to find out more about their skills, experience and suitability. It will then 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.

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.