Havant Thicket Reservoir, Portsmouth Water’s flagship scheme, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Ground Engineering Awards 2021.

One of just six entries to be shortlisted for Ground Investigation Project of the Year, the project has been recognised for its credentials in innovation, quality, sustainability, health and safety and engineering.

As the first new reservoir to be built in the UK for more than 30 years, the scheme will comprise a 160-hectare, pumped storage reservoir bounded by a 3km long, 20m high soil embankment and the natural bowl-like topography of the site.

The reservoir will be constructed between Havant and Rowlands Castle in Hampshire.

It will be a strategic asset securing reliable drinking water for the water-stressed South East of England and will reduce the need to abstract water from world-renowned chalk streams in Hampshire – the River Test and River Itchen.

In addition, the scheme will maximise the community and environmental benefits of a new reservoir - creating a vibrant new wetland habitat and leisure facilities for local communities.

Extensive environmental mitigation is also being undertaken as part of the project, including planting and improving over 200 hectares of woodland and wood pasture, locating wildlife corridors around the perimeter of the site, improving local streams and launching a grant scheme to support environmental projects.

The project team for the pre-construction phase of the works comprised of Portsmouth Water, Agilia Infrastructure Partners, Atkins, Socotec, Careys and RSK (Structural Soils).

Bob Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, Portsmouth Water, said: “The Ground Engineering Awards showcase the very best projects, people and businesses across ground engineering. For Havant Thicket Reservoir to have been recognised in this way is an outstanding achievement and I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to reach this point.”

“We look forward to attending the awards ceremony in November where the winner of each category will be announced.”

For more information about Havant Thicket Reservoir, visit: <a href="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/new-reservoir/">https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/new-reservoir/</a>