Media Release: Clayton Utz congratulates Transport for NSW on major milestone for the Sydney Gateway project

Clayton Utz congratulates Transport for NSW (Transport) on reaching an important milestone in the Sydney Gateway Project: the awarding of the design and construction contract to the John Holland Seymour Whyte Joint Venture. 

Sydney Gateway is a toll-free motorway which connects the WestConnex St Peters Interchange to the Airport and Port Botany Precinct with the capacity to carry 100,000 vehicles a day. The project is an essential part of the NSW Government's plan to support the long-term economic growth of Sydney’s airport and port, reducing travel times and improving access to employment areas.

Clayton Utz was appointed by Transport in 2016 as principal legal advisers to the project.

Partners Andrew Leece and David Wilkie, supported by a team including special counsel James Kendal, led the negotiations between Transport and Sydney Airport to agree the complex arrangements with Sydney Airport governing the construction and long-term operations of Sydney Gateway.

Subsequent to that, our Major Projects team, led by partners Stuart Cosgriff, Lina Fischer and Sergio Capelli, advised on all aspects of the procurement process and agreements with interfacing parties. Stuart, Lina and Sergio were supported by a large team including special counsels Gareth Oxley, Katherine Mallik and Larissa Burnett, and senior associates Edwina Higgins, and Tanvir Ahmed. The team has worked with Transport to lead a highly interactive tender process, achieving competitive bids for one of the most complex projects in the current market.

Commenting on the latest project milestone, Lina Fischer said:

The high level of engagement with the market prior to and throughout the procurement process, and a collaborative approach to foreshadowing and addressing bidder concerns, has helped to keep bidders engaged in the process in a highly competitive construction market. It is a proud moment for the Clayton Utz team to see Transport reach this major milestone in the delivery of Sydney Gateway.