Thames Water is on track to deliver a major upgrade to Swindon’s water supply network, with their £45 million project nearing completion.
The project centres on a new 13.7-kilometre pipeline stretching between Faringdon and Blunsdon. Construction began in May 2021, and the pipeline is expected to be operational this spring. The entire project is scheduled for completion by August 2024.
This vital infrastructure upgrade promises to significantly reduce leaks in an area prone to bursts, thereby bolstering the resilience of Swindon’s water supply.
Thames Water, alongside its partner Kier, is hosting a drop-in session at the Highworth Community Centre on Tuesday, February 20th, from 10 am to 12:30 pm. This event provides an opportunity for customers, local communities, and stakeholders to learn more about the project and have their questions answered directly by company representatives.
The new pipeline also boasts environmental benefits. By reducing reliance on groundwater sources, particularly chalk streams and the River Kennet during periods of high demand or drought, the project contributes to the protection of the local environment.
Chris Reeves, Head of Programme Delivery at Thames Water said: “It’s our job to deliver a safe and secure supply of water for all our customers. Our new water transfer pipe will build resilience across Swindon and ensure we keep the taps flowing for future generations.
“The pipeline will also benefit the local environment, reducing reliance on groundwater sources that draw from chalk streams and the River Kennet during high demand and drought conditions.”
Kier, the project delivery partner, highlights its expertise in delivering essential infrastructure projects like this one. They emphasise their commitment to efficient, high-quality work that prioritises environmental protection.
Andy Muncer, Project Director, Kier, said: “We’re proud to be using our expertise to deliver this vital project for Swindon. It’s a complex piece of work and we’ve taken an innovative approach to ensure it’s being delivered efficiently to a high-quality, and in a way which protects the local environment.
“We’ve also launched several initiatives in the local area, such as volunteering days at Pennyhooks Farm Trust, in line with Kier’s commitment to benefit the communities in which we work. We’ll keep these active throughout the project.”
The project encompassed archaeological investigations overseen by Wessex Archaeology. Thames Water, working closely with the experts, meticulously planned the route to avoid areas of known archaeological significance, minimizing disruption to potential historical remains.
Despite these efforts, a limited number of artefacts and archaeological evidence were unearthed during construction. Notably, these discoveries include the remains of Iron Age roundhouses and Anglo-Saxon burials.
Bianca San Martin, Fieldwork Manager, Wessex Archaeology, said: “Partnering with Thames Water and Kier on these vital pipe upgrades has not only ensured the works ran smoothly, their investment in heritage has also led to the discovery of a range of significant archaeological remains, from prehistoric roundhouses to Anglo-Saxon burials.”
The completion of this critical project signifies a major step forward in securing a reliable and sustainable water supply for Swindon for generations to come.
