Havant Thicket Reservoir drives eye-catching growth across the south east31st May 2025

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK’s work on Havant Thicket Reservoir is set to drive multi-million-pound economic growth across the south east.

The flagship project is the UK’s first major water-storage reservoir since the 1980s, with the Ruthin-headquartered firm teaming up with Mackley to form joint venture Future Water MJJV Ltd.

Commissioned by Portsmouth Water, an economic impact study carried out by the University of Birmingham estimates that more than £50 million will be contributed to the south east during the construction phase alone.

This includes the creation of 84 construction jobs and 15-20 apprenticeships, both of which enhance employment in the region and help upskill the next generation of workers in the sector.

Main contractors Future Water MJJV Ltd, which has a combined total of more than 150 years of experience in tackling complex and challenging civil engineering schemes, and Ward & Burke Construction Limited are also holding a series of career events and offering on-site training.

Geraint Thomas, Jones Bros contracts director and Future Water director, said: “When you look at the headline figures in terms of growth, it emphasises just how impactful this project is.

“Not only are we building a reservoir that will provide crucial water reserves, but the scheme is boosting employment and enhancing the training of those aspiring civil engineers of the future.

“We are incredibly pleased to be part of such a significant development in the south east of England.”

Once operational, the reservoir is expected to contribute more than £2m per year to the local economy, some £1.3m of which is as a result of the development of recreational facilities on site.

They are set to attract 98,000 new trips every 12 months, with a further 5,000 fresh visits generated by off-site environmental projects.

Bob Taylor, Chief Executive Officer for Portsmouth Water, said: “As well as playing a fundamental role in protecting two of our region’s precious chalk rivers, Havant Thicket Reservoir is set to drive major economic growth across the South East.

“During construction alone, the project is expected to generate more than £50 million and create over 80 new construction jobs, with further benefits extending well after the reservoir’s completion. As a company with a strong history of supporting our local communities, we are incredibly proud to be leaving this vital legacy for our area.”

For more on Future Water MJJV and the Havant Thicket Reservoir project, visit www.FWJV.co.uk

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.