Clancy Launches £10m Thames Water Mains Upgrade in Haringey

Key Points

• Civil engineering contractor Clancy commences work this month on a £10 million upgrade of Thames Water mains in Crouch End, North London.
• The project involves replacing more than 8km of ageing water pipes across the London Borough of Haringey to reduce leakage and prevent future supply interruptions.
• The area has experienced several burst pipes in recent years, prompting this infrastructure renewal.
• Works will span 29 different streets over the next two years, beginning in February with The Broadway, Crouch Hill, Ridge Road, and Oakington Way.
• Thames Water senior project manager Tom Hutchinson emphasised the company’s long-term commitment to improving infrastructure resilience, targeting the most needy areas first to build public confidence in water supply.
• Cllr Seema Chandwani, Haringey Council’s cabinet member for resident services and tackling inequality, highlighted the programme’s benefits and the council’s collaboration with Thames Water to minimise disruption.
• Clancy construction manager Jack Lahr expressed delight in supporting Thames Water’s resilience goals through excellence, innovation, and collaborative growth.

Crouch End, Clancy (North London News) February 4, 2026 – Civil engineering contractor Clancy has begun work this month on a £10 million upgrade of Thames Water mains in Crouch End, addressing longstanding issues with ageing infrastructure in the London Borough of Haringey. The ambitious project will replace more than 8km of deteriorating water pipes across 29 streets over the next two years, aiming to significantly reduce leakage and the risk of supply interruptions. This initiative comes after the area suffered several burst pipes in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for renewal.

What Is the Scope of Clancy’s £10m Project in Haringey?

The renewal programme targets critical water mains in Crouch End and surrounding areas within Haringey, focusing on pipes that have reached the end of their operational life. Works are scheduled to commence in February on key initial streets including The Broadway, Crouch Hill, Ridge Road, and Oakington Way, with the full rollout covering 29 locations over 24 months.

This comprehensive effort is designed not only to replace infrastructure but also to enhance overall network resilience amid growing demands on London’s water services.

As detailed in the original announcement, the project directly responds to the area’s vulnerability to bursts, which have disrupted residents and businesses alike in recent years. By prioritising high-risk zones, Thames Water aims to deliver lasting improvements that safeguard supply reliability for the community.

Why Is This Upgrade Necessary in Crouch End?

Crouch End has been particularly susceptible to burst pipes over the last few years, leading to repeated interruptions in water supply and increased leakage rates across Haringey’s network. Ageing infrastructure, much of it decades old, has struggled to meet modern pressures, exacerbated by factors such as population growth and climate variability. This £10 million investment represents a proactive step to mitigate these risks and prevent future incidents.

Thames Water senior project manager Tom Hutchinson stated:

“We have a long-term commitment to improving infrastructure resilience and we’ve been targeting the areas that need upgrading the most, first. It’s vital that people have confidence in their water supply and this investment will make a big difference to the area.”

His comments underscore the strategic prioritisation of Haringey, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most urgently required.

How Will the Work Unfold Over Two Years?

The two-year timeline allows for phased implementation, minimising widespread disruption while maximising efficiency. Clancy, a specialist civil engineering contractor, will handle the physical replacement of over 8km of mains, employing modern techniques to upgrade the network without unnecessary delays.

Initial phases in February will focus on high-traffic and residential streets, with subsequent works rolling out progressively across the borough.

Cllr Seema Chandwani, Haringey Council’s cabinet member for resident services and tackling inequality, said:

“This two-year programme will significantly improve areas across the borough and deliver the standard of service our residents rightly deserve. We’ve worked closely with Thames Water to ensure that as little disruption as possible occurs during the work.”

Her assurance reflects collaborative planning between the council and utility provider, including traffic management and community notifications to keep impacts low.

Who Are the Key Players Involved?

Clancy leads the on-ground execution as the appointed contractor, bringing expertise in water infrastructure projects. Thames Water oversees the initiative as the asset owner and primary investor, with senior project manager Tom Hutchinson spearheading coordination. Haringey Council provides local oversight, represented by Cllr Seema Chandwani, ensuring alignment with resident needs.

Clancy construction manager Jack Lahr remarked:

“As the water industry works to improve its resilience and deals with greater demands on its services, we are delighted to support these goals. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaborative growth will continue to be the driving force in this project and in our relationship with Thames Water.”

This statement highlights Clancy’s role in fostering long-term partnerships for sustainable outcomes.

What Challenges Have Crouch End Residents Faced?

Residents in Crouch End and broader Haringey have endured multiple pipe bursts in recent years, resulting in temporary water shortages, road closures, and property damage.

These incidents have eroded confidence in the local supply, prompting urgent calls for investment. The renewal addresses these pain points head-on, replacing vulnerable sections to prevent recurrence.

No specific incidents were detailed beyond the general susceptibility noted, but the pattern of bursts has been a recurring theme in local reports. By tackling 8km of pipes, the project promises a more robust system capable of withstanding everyday stresses and occasional extremes.

How Does This Fit Thames Water’s Broader Strategy?

Thames Water’s approach emphasises resilience-building, with Haringey identified as a priority due to its history of issues. The £10 million allocation forms part of wider capital investments aimed at reducing leakage across London, where the company manages extensive networks under regulatory scrutiny. Targeting

“the areas that need upgrading the most, first,”

as per Tom Hutchinson, aligns with national goals for water security.

This project exemplifies a balanced strategy: proactive maintenance to avoid costly emergencies, while supporting economic and environmental objectives. Collaborative elements, such as council input, ensure works integrate seamlessly with borough priorities.

What Measures Are in Place to Minimise Disruption?

Both Thames Water and Haringey Council have prioritised resident convenience, with Cllr Chandwani noting close collaboration

“to ensure that as little disruption as possible occurs.”

Expect phased scheduling, advance notices, and alternative routing for traffic on affected streets like The Broadway and Crouch Hill. Clancy’s experience in urban environments will employ best practices, such as night works where feasible and rapid reinstatement of surfaces.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed via Thames Water’s updates, ensuring transparency throughout. This resident-focused approach mitigates the inherent challenges of large-scale infrastructure works in a densely populated area.

What Benefits Will Haringey Residents See?

The upgraded mains will deliver fewer leaks, reliable supply, and reduced risk of bursts, enhancing daily life and business continuity. Improved resilience supports Haringey’s growth, bolstering confidence in essential services. Cllr Chandwani affirmed that the programme

“will significantly improve areas across the borough and deliver the standard of service our residents rightly deserve.”

Long-term gains include lower maintenance costs for Thames Water, potentially stabilising bills, and environmental benefits from reduced water loss. Jack Lahr’s emphasis on

“excellence, innovation, and collaborative growth”

suggests advanced methods that could set a benchmark for future projects.

When and Where Will Initial Works Begin?

Works kick off in February 2026 on The Broadway, Crouch Hill, Ridge Road, and Oakington Way, marking the start of the 29-street programme. These locations were selected for their urgency and centrality in Crouch End’s network. Full details on subsequent phases will follow Thames Water announcements.

This structured rollout ensures steady progress without overwhelming any single area, balancing urgency with practicality.

Why Partner with Clancy for This Project?

Clancy’s selection stems from its proven track record in water sector renewals, aligning with Thames Water’s resilience agenda. Jack Lahr’s comments affirm their proactive stance amid industry pressures like rising demand. The partnership leverages Clancy’s innovation to deliver high-quality outcomes efficiently.

As a specialist contractor, Clancy brings the necessary scale and expertise for a project of this magnitude, ensuring timely completion over two years.