Halcrow and Foster + Partners have been collaborating on a self-funded study to produce a detailed vision for the Thames Hub, comprising a new river barrier and crossing, and an international airport, shipping and rail complex.
The plans also include a ‘spine’ which combines energy, communications and data running the length of the UK, fed by the Thames Hub.
An industrial-scale tidal barrage and in-stream arrays, together with a new flood defence system, could provide enough electricity for 76,000 homes a year. Costed at around £5bn, Estimated cost of the barrage across a 5km-wide stretch of the Thames, which could generate up to 525GWh a year, is £5bn. Energy generation capability would be further enhanced via arrays consisting of a further 1,000 60-90kW run-of-river turbines. The plan also includes a proposal to incorporate tidal-power devices in a new barrier crossing to be constructed upstream of the London Gateway port which would extend flood protection to London and the Thames Gateway into the next century.
Commenting on the ambitious proposals, Lord Foster, founder and chairman of Foster + Partners, said:
“We need to recapture the foresight and political courage of our 19th century forebears if we are to establish a modern transport and energy infrastructure in Britain for this century and beyond. If we don’t then we are denying future generations to come. We are rolling over and saying we are no longer competitive – and this is a competitive world. So I do not believe we have a choice.”
Halcrow group board director, David Kerr, said:
“As infrastructure specialists, our role is to support society by taking on the big issues that affect us all – water, transportation, energy, and creating places to live and work. Great challenges require bold solutions, which is why I believe our Thames Hub vision is critical to society and to the country’s economic prosperity. If we don’t sustain and invest in infrastructure, then it’s at our peril.
“If the UK is to remain globally competitive, these proposals need to be seriously considered.”
The Silvertown Tunnel’s pumping system is reducing the risk of flooding, delays and costly maintenance, while supporting the long-term resilience of London’s transport network, says Ian Ireland, large pumping projects programme manager, Xylem UK.
In a TV show that will explain the complex journey of the wastewater treatment process, Lakeside Equipment Corporation is set to feature in US Public Television’s All Access program with Andy Garcia.
Environmental Services & Solutions (ESS) Expo, the UK’s largest environmental event, has released the full speaker programme for its 2025 event, which now features seven shows spanning all corners of the environmental sector, under one roof at the NEC Birmingham.
We are exhibiting at WWEM – Water, Wastewater and Environmental Management Expo, which is one of the eight exhibitions taking place at the NEC, Birmingham 17-18 September 2025 as part of ESS Expo 2025. Please come along and visit us at Stand WW-S60.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video. 
What is to be done about the UK’s failing utilities? Listen to Professor Dieter Helm explore the options to tackle the UK’s failing utilities – Thames Water, the Royal Mail and Network Rail in particular.