Environment secretary lauds multi-million-pound Havant Thicket Reservoir 14th Mar 2025
The Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP toured the UK’s first major water-storage reservoir since the 1980s.
It’s being constructed by Future Water MJJV Limited, a joint venture between Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK and Mackley , following its appointment by Portsmouth Water.
Once completed, the reservoir will be able to provide up to 21 million litres of water per day during periods of drought, helping maintain supplies to customers in Hampshire while protecting two of the county’s rare and sensitive chalk-based rivers, the Test and the Itchen.
Climate change and population growth are placing increasing pressure on resources in south east England, combined with a need to leave more water in the environment to benefit nature. In this context, the Havant Thicket Reservoir development, which will provide 8.7 billion litres of water storage capacity, has been praised by Mr Reed.
He said: “We haven’t built a major new reservoir in over 30 years – Havant Thicket is a crucial step in securing water for future generations.
“Investment in vital infrastructure like reservoirs is essential for economic growth and environmental protection – a cornerstone of our Plan for Change.”
The UK Government has a long-term mission to support critical infrastructure needed to build 1.5 million new houses, accelerate the nation’s growth, and depollute the UK’s rivers, lakes, and seas.
Geraint Thomas, Jones Bros contracts director and Future Water director, said: “It was fantastic to be able to welcome the environment secretary to site and for him to see and recognise the importance of our work.
“We’re thrilled to be delivering this vital scheme, and particularly pleased to provide jobs for local people in Hampshire throughout construction, as well as support the local supply chain.”
Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 500 people.
The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways , flood and marine defence , waste management and renewable energy around the UK.
The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced nearly 40 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited hundreds of apprentices over the years.