United Utilities Secures £3bn Deal for HARP with Addleshaw Goddard's Expertise
Deal News | Aug 21, 2025 | Addleshaw Goddard
International law firm Addleshaw Goddard has successfully advised United Utilities on their £3 billion Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Project (HARP), which has achieved commercial close. Spanning over 50 kilometers in Cumbria, Lancashire, and Greater Manchester, the project is crucial in providing resilient water infrastructure to 2.5 million consumers. HARP is the first development under Ofwat's Direct Procurement for Customers model, with construction by the Strabag-Equitix consortium. Addleshaw Goddard's Water team, led by Partners David Shaw and Phil Dupres, played a significant role in shaping commercial principles, drafting contractual agreements, and navigating regulatory adjustments. This pioneering project sets the precedent for over 20 future UK infrastructure projects as guided by Addleshaw Goddard.
Sectors
- Infrastructure
- Legal Services
- Water Management
- Project Finance
Geography
- United Kingdom – The entire project takes place in the UK, specifically within areas of Cumbria, Lancashire, and Greater Manchester, with legal, construction, and regulatory efforts based there.
Industry
- Infrastructure – The project revolves around developing essential water infrastructure spanning several kilometers to deliver drinking water, making it a key industry focus.
- Legal Services – Addleshaw Goddard, an international law firm, is prominently involved in advising and creating agreements for the HARP project, emphasizing the legal industry's role.
- Water Management – The project is centered on improving water distribution infrastructure, categorized under water management, dealing with drinking water for millions.
- Project Finance – HARP involves innovative financing models under Ofwat's Direct Procurement for Customers, thus highlighting importance in project finance.
Financials
- £3 billion – The estimated construction cost for the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Project.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Utilities | Target Company | Company | A major UK water company undertaking the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Project. |
| Addleshaw Goddard | Legal Advisor | Company | International law firm advising United Utilities on HARP, possessing expertise in water infrastructure and regulatory matters. |
| Strabag-Equitix | Construction Consortium | Company | A consortium responsible for the construction of the project, including Strabag’s UK division and infrastructure investor Equitix. |
| Ofwat | Regulator | Government | Water services regulation authority for England and Wales, implementing the new Direct Procurement for Customers funding model. |