Havant Thicket Reservoir planned in Hampshire

A partnership of the two water supply organisations Portsmouth Water and Southern Water has been negotiated as the two organisations intend to create a new reservoir on the site of 160 hectare grassland currently known as Havant Thicket in Hampshire.

Going into more detail, the Havant Thicket Reservoir is expected to cost a total sum of more than £100M and will not achieve full project completion until some time in 2029, with the planning process having officially commenced in 2019.

The initial phase of this scheme has taken, and is still currently taking, place between 2019 and 2020 and has entailed the submission of a planning application as well as the carrying out of surveys, design work, community engagement, and tree planting. By comparison, the second phase of the scheme will take place between 2021 and 2023, entailing preparatory works such as the diversion of paths and the establishment of an access road, whereas the third stage will be that which covers the digging of the reservoir and installation of pipe works.

The final stage of the scheme is that which will cover the filling of the reservoir in addition to the establishment of visitor pathways, a visitor centre, and other such facilities.

One recent development in this project’s delivery has been the planting of more than three thousand trees on the land surrounding Havant Thicket, creating a memorial woodland and offsetting the ecological damage caused by the reservoir’s construction.

The Environment and Biodiversity Specialist at Portsmouth Water, Tracey Viney stated: “We are delighted to be working with Havant Borough Council to create a really special place for people to enjoy for decades to come.

“As part of our Havant Thicket Reservoir scheme, the new woodland will provide an improved space in which to enjoy nature and take the time to think and remember loved ones and others. It will also be a real boost for the local environment, with Natural England and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust both supportive of our plans.”

Havant Thicket Reservoir will be the first reservoir built in the South of England since the 1970s.

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