Secretary of State visits first major new UK reservoir in a generation

Secretary of State for the Environment, the Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, visited Hampshire this week to see progress on the first major new UK reservoir in a generation.

The flagship Havant Thicket Reservoir project will play a key role in protecting two of Hampshire’s precious chalk streams, the River Test and River Itchen, by providing a new, sustainable source of water.

During the visit, Mr Reed had the opportunity to see progress on site, including the creation of the first permanent structure – a new reinforced concrete culvert (or tunnel) which will house pipework for taking water out of the reservoir, for treatment and supply to customers. This is a key moment for the project, marking the move towards the ‘big build’ phase which will continue over four years.

Commenting during his visit, the Secretary of State said: “I think it’s fantastic for Portsmouth Water to be building the first new reservoir in the country for 30 years and the first in the region for 50 years.

“As things stand, we are going to start running out of drinking water in this country by the middle of the next decade. We need infrastructure like this.

“I know that we need the Government to play our part in speeding up decision-making so projects like this can go ahead but hats off to Portsmouth Water for being ahead of the game, leading the country. There are things we can learn to make sure that right across the UK we are building new infrastructure just like this.”

Bob Taylor, Chief Executive Officer for Portsmouth Water, said: “It was an absolute privilege to welcome Secretary of State for the Department of Environment and Rural Affairs, the Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, to Havant Thicket Reservoir this week.

“As the first new UK reservoir in more than three decades, the project represents a major investment in the water industry. It will play a fundamental role in protecting precious chalk rivers by providing a new, sustainable source of water for the region.”

The visit is part of a wider tour that Secretary of State, Steve Reed, and Water Minister Emma Hardy, are making this week, to see where investment in water infrastructure will underpin the building of new homes, create jobs and boost local economies.

Once complete, the new Havant Thicket Reservoir will hold up to 8.7 billion litres of water and, under current plans, be able to supply 21 million litres per day in long periods of dry weather. This will enable a transfer of water to neighbour Southern Water, allowing them to reduce abstraction from the Test and Itchen rivers in their supply area. In addition, the new reservoir will become a green leisure hub for the area, with a visitor centre, wetland and network of footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways.

The reservoir itself is being constructed by Future Water MJJV Ltd – a joint venture between leading civil engineering contractors Mackley and Jones Bros, which have a combined total of over 150 years of experience in tackling complex and challenging civil engineering schemes.

The associated pipelines which will be used to fill the reservoir with water and draw it down when needed will be installed by Ward & Burke Construction Limited, one of Ireland’s principal Civil & MEICA Engineering contractors with an outstanding track record for innovation.

Upfront funding for the reservoir is being put forward by infrastructure investor Ancala and a consortium of leading banks.

For more information about Havant Thicket Reservoir, visit: https://havant-thicket-reservoir.uk.engagementhq.com/