Linklaters has been named as the sole legal adviser to a new Government body intended to co-ordinate infrastructure projects in the UK and aid private sector investment.

The magic circle firm has been appointed to advise Infrastructure UK (IUK), which was set up towards the end of last year as part of the Pre-Budget Report in a bid to prioritise and fund infrastructure in the UK over the next 50 years.

The firm's appointment will run for one year with an option to extend the mandate at the end of this period.

Linklaters was originally brought in to advise The Infrastructure Finance Unit (TIFU) – now part of IUK – which was set up last year to ensure key infrastructure projects were pushed through despite the recession. The firm advised TIFU on its first loan facility in April 2009, which provided £120m funding for the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority's private finance initiative project alongside the European Investment Bank and a syndicate of commercial banks.

Commenting on the IUK appointment, Bruce White, head of projects at Linklaters, said: "It is a prestigious mandate to act for this HM Treasury body on the potential development of the UK infrastructure market. Needless to say, we are very pleased to do so."

In addition to developing a long-term strategy for the UK's infrastructure and attracting new sources of private investment, IUK is tasked with managing the Government's investment in the 2020 European Fund for Energy, Climate Change and Infrastructure, prioritising investment and supporting the delivery of major projects. It is chaired by former Rio Tinto chairman Paul Skinner.