Martin Baggs, chief executive at Thames Water said the company decided award to larger ‘base load’ contractors rather than numerous small contracts. He said: “This new approach has changed the way our contractors have bid for the work: they’ve formed joint ventures, each containing the required specialists. The way we’ve structured these programmes of work will also allow our contractors to plan further ahead and give them greater incentives to be efficient on cost and time.”

Thames Water awarded north and south London water and sewage treatment works to GBM, comprising Galliford Try, Biwater and Mott MacDonald. Optimise, comprising of J Murphy & Sons, Clancy Docwra, Barhale and MWH, has been awarded the contract for north London and Thames Valley water pipes and sewers. MGJV, comprising of Morrison Utility Services and Galliford Try was awarded south London water pipes and sewers.