Preferred bidder chosen for Thames Tideway Tunnel

Bazalgette to own, finance and deliver the project. 

A newly-created company has been handed the accolade of preferred bidder status for the ‘super sewer’ that is the Thames Tideway Tunnel.

The Company chosen for this prestigious development is Bazalgette Tunnel Ltd, the shareholders of which are a consortium of investors comprising funds managed by Allianz, Amber Infrastructure Group, Dalmore Capital Ltd and DIF.

Bazalgette will not only deliver the landmark project but will also own and finance it.

This infrastructure provider opportunity has attracted interest from all over the world, with many organisations interested.

In the end, 12 parties were invited to the tendering process, and from there, two bids were received for the ‘revise and confirm’ final round.

Subject to formal designation and licensing by Ofwat, the infrastructure provider will be independent from Thames Water, delivering the Thames Tideway Tunnel.

This project is a major new sewer that is urgently required to protect the tidal River Thames from further pollution.

Work is necessary because London’s sewerage system isn’t fit for purpose and as such, means that sewage is spilled into the tidal section of the river every year.

Once finished, the Thames Tideway Tunnel project will solve the overflow problem for more than 100 years, which will in turn ensure the UK meets European environmental standards.

As well as the completed upgrade of five sewage treatment works on the tidal Thames, the Thames Tideway Tunnel and Lee Tunnel are both necessary in order to stop the 39 million tonnes of untreated sewage each year flowing into the tidal river.

The infrastructure provider will manage those who construct the tunnel, which will stretch approximately 15 miles beneath the River Thames from Acton to Abbey Mills in the east.

From there, it will connect with Lee Tunnel, which is under construction.

This groundbreaking delivery model has been developed by Thames Water, Ofwat and the Government.

It has formed a blueprint that could potentially be used for many other infrastructure projects.

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