Campaign group claims White Horse Reservoir cost at £10.5bn

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 14:20 · Archive

Campaigners say the White Horse Reservoir near Abingdon could cost £10.5bn, more than double Thames Water's previous estimates.

Campaign group GARD estimates the White Horse Reservoir near Abingdon will cost £10.5bn, citing independent analysis of the project's true expenses. The reservoir is designed to hold 150bn litres of water across 6.7 sq km (2.6 sq miles), roughly the size of Gatwick Airport.

Thames Water's official cost estimates have risen from £2.2bn initially to between £5.5bn and £7.5bn after a review last year tripled the site area to 38 sq km. The expanded footprint was needed to accommodate additional building works, relocate adjacent solar farms and reroute local rivers and streams.

GARD spokesman Derek Stork said the £10.5bn figure accounts for eleven major, uncosted design changes, including an 11km flood-mitigation drain and a redesigned embankment. Stork alleged that 'Thames Water and partners have every incentive to keep the official cost artificially low until after approval'. Thames Water has increased the number of access points to the site, with some close to Abingdon, and further consultation with residents is expected.

How it is being reported

• Cost of new reservoir rises to £10.5bn claims campaign groupThe cost of the new White Horse Reservoir near Abingdon has risen to a staggering £10.5bn, according to campaignersOxford Mail · 5 Nov, 13:30
• Cost of new reservoir rises to £10.5bn claims campaign groupThe cost of the new White Horse Reservoir near Abingdon has risen to a staggering £10.5bn, according to campaignersOxfordshire Guardian · 5 Nov, 13:30

In this story: White Horse Reservoir · Abingdon · Thames Water · Group Against Reservoir Development · Derek Stork

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