The Thames Estuary Phase 1 Programme involves a series of major flood protection works over a ten-year period.

The Environment Agency is piloting new longer term working arrangements to drive down costs and will work with one firm or consortium over the 10-year programme.

This will involve establishing a co-located integrated delivery team of suppliers and Environment Agency staff.

Outline solution statements have now been received from bidders and site visits have been undertaken.

An agency spokesman said: “We are currently engaged in competitive dialogue with each of the suppliers, holding a series of structured workshops to further refine approaches to key features of the contract.

“Initial feedback from bidders is very supportive and the suppliers are positive about the efficiencies and benefits that can be obtained.”

A successful contractor will be named in October.

The programme will cover the Tidal Thames from Teddington in West London, through to Sheerness and Shoeburyness in Kent and Essex.

Work will involve building flood protection walls and embankments and active assets includes flood barriers and other structures with moveable gates, outfalls and pumping stations.

The Thames Barrier and associated tidal flood risk management infrastructure protects 1.25m people and £200bn worth of property, UK Government, major infrastructure and businesses.