Linklaters advises on the landmark Thames Tideway Tunnel ushering in a healthier future for London’s iconic river

Linklaters has advised Thames Water on the development of the regulatory and contractual framework for the design, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the Thames Tideway Tunnel and on the procurement of the infrastructure provider for the tunnel that will create lasting benefits for biodiversity, recreation and public health in the UK.

After 10 years of construction work, the super sewer has reached completion as of 14 February 2025. It spans 16 miles (25km) and diverts 34 of the most-polluting sewage outflows that have been discharging into the Thames. The new tunnel, in combination with the Lee Tunnel and sewage works upgrades already completed by Thames Water, is expected to stop 95% (39m tonnes) of the sewage discharges that previously would have entered the river.

A bespoke regulatory framework and government support package was developed for the project, led by Linklaters partners Charlotte L Morgan, Mark Nuttall, Elisabeth Johnson and Andrew Penfold.

Mark Nuttall comments:

“Huge congratulations to Bazalgette Tunnel Limited and Thames Water for reaching completion on the Thames Tideway Tunnel. We are immensely proud to have played a role in the project setting up the legal and regulatory structure on such a critical piece of infrastructure for London and the UK. The completion marks a significant milestone and we are delighted to see the realisation of a project that will leave a lasting positive impact on our environment and our community."

Read more about the Thames Tideway Tunnel here.

This is the latest transaction showcasing Linklaters’ market leading position in innovative regulatory solutions to deliver transformational projects in the UK, recently also advising the UK Government on a new regulatory structure for the Sizewell C nuclear project.