Bicester Sewage Treatment Works

Phoenix Consulting provided contract and commercial management services to Thames Water Utilities Limited on the AMP7 Bicester Sewage Treatment Works (STW) upgrade project, valued at circa £10m.

The project was delivered under an IChemE Burgundy Book Design & Build Target Cost contract and involved upgrading an operational STW to increase treatment capacity and meet future growth demands. The scope included civil, MEICA, and SCADA works, all delivered while the facility remained fully operational, with a strict requirement for no unplanned interruptions to flow or treatment processes.

The contract was signed shortly before the first COVID-19 lockdown. Despite this, the project was successfully managed remotely throughout its lifecycle using Microsoft Teams and electronic communications, ensuring continuity, collaboration, and robust governance.

Phoenix Consulting delivered:

• Cost reporting and forecasting
• Change control and Target Cost adjustments
• Assessment and certification of payments
• Subcontractor approval and procurement oversight
• Risk management and commercial assurance
• Final account audit and close-out

The project experienced several unforeseen claims arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, including prolongation due to social distancing, additional welfare and cleaning facilities, and revised site management practices to comply with government guidance.

The contractor submitted COVID-related claims totalling approximately £690k. Phoenix undertook a detailed review and commercial challenge of these submissions, successfully negotiating a Target Cost adjustment of £260k.

Despite the project finishing in pain share, total outturn costs remained within the client’s approved budget by approximately £125k, demonstrating strong commercial control and effective risk management throughout unprecedented delivery conditions.