The Environment Agency has started the hunt for a construction partner for the £500m River Thames Scheme.

A contract notice has been published for the job to improve flood defences between Egham and Teddington which has the largest area of undefended, developed floodplain in England with more than 10,000 homes at risk.

Construction will include 8 km of new flood channel built in two sections working for the Environment Agency and Surrey County Council.

The contract will be awarded in two stages with an Early Contractor Involvement phase followed by main construction works.

Work is expected to last 7.5 years and up to six firms will be invited to bid with tenders due in by March 22.

In order to participate and access the procurement documents, Candidates must register on the Atamis e-portal here and then search for project ref. C22875.