Preferred bidder chosen for London super-sewer

Bazalgette Tunnel Limited, whose shareholders are a consortium of investors comprising funds managed by Allianz, Amber Infrastructure Group, Dalmore Capital Limited and DIF, will own, finance and deliver the project, subject to approval from Ofwat.

According to Thames Water, the Thames Tideway Tunnel is required to tackle the discharge of untreated sewage into the River Thames through central London, and to increase the capacity in the London sewerage network.

Along with the upgrade of five sewage treatment works on the tidal Thames, both the Lee Tunnel and the Thames Tideway Tunnel are needed to stem the 39 million tonnes of untreated sewage that overflow into the river in a typical year from the capital’s current sewerage network.

The Infrastructure Provider’s responsibilities will include managing the contractors, who will construct the Thames Tideway Tunnel that will run beneath the bed of the River Thames, from Acton in the west to Abbey Mills near Stratford in the east. There it will join up with the Lee Tunnel, which is currently under construction by Thames Water.

“We are convinced that this project will modernize a pivotal aspect of London’s essential infrastructure and are‎ delighted that Allianz can help to upgrade London’s sewage system for 22nd Century London”, said Christian Fingerle, chief investment officer responsible for infrastructure investments at Allianz Capital Partners.

Sir Neville Simms will act as chair of the Infrastructure Provider for the Thames Tideway Tunnel, with former Crossrail Programme director Andy Mitchell acting as CEO.

The proposed Thames Tideway Tunnel aims to keep London clean and healthy well into the 22nd century. Stuart Nathan reports