Legal briefs: DWF, Clough & Willis, and Hill Dickinson

LAWYERS at DWF’s Liverpool office have been handling negotiations for a £40m redevelopment at The Ageas Bowl cricket ground and concert venue in Southampton.

The firm advised on the development of a new Hilton Hotel and Spa to complement the facilities currently available, acting for three parties: The Co-operative Bank, Standish-based Denizen Contracts and Liverpool’s Sanguine Hospitality – the funder, developer, and hotel and spa manager respectively.

Helen Johnston, associate partner in DWFs Liverpool banking and finance team, said: “This redevelopment is a truly national deal, bringing together companies from across the UK to improve the facilities at this internationally renowned venue. Completing the deal has required the expertise of a number of teams within DWF, from banking and corporate to property and commercial.

“Within these teams we have an advanced knowledge of a number of sectors and industries – including hospitality management and construction ñ meaning we were able to effectively advise all parties involved in this deal to ensure that the best possible outcome was achieved.”

Dave Matthews, senior business development manager of The Co-operative Bank, said: “DWF provided us with best practice advice throughout the negotiation process and ensured the deal came to a satisfactory conclusion. Working alongside Denizen and Sanguine, we will be able to expand the offering for all those visiting The Ageas Bowl and we are really excited to see the outcome of the project.”

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CLOUGH & Willis has restructured its private client department.

Helen Webster, who joined last year from Walker Morris in Leeds, has been promoted to associate and property solicitor Karen Yates has also joined the team.

Yates has been at Clough & Willis since 2005 and is now specialising in core private client services as well as dealing with property transactions.

Managing partner Shefali Talukdar said; “Since Helen joined Clough & Willis, the private client department has seen a sharp upturn in work so this promotion is much deserved. She is a real asset to the business and under her guidance the team has gone from strength to strength.

“Private client work is now a major part of the firm’s offering and has the senior team’s full backing. The aim is to now build on its successes in order to further raise its profile and grow its fee income.”

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THE Chester office of Hill Dickinson has advised on a property deal at the London Sustainable Industries Park in Dagenham.

Property partner Brent Williams and corporate partner Sally Wightman acted for Chinook Urban Mining and its subsidiary Thames Gateway Waste to Energy when it bought eight acres from the Greater London Authority for £6.25m.

The energy firm is developing an energy from waste (EfW) facility on the site which will incorporate the latest advanced gasification and end-stage recycling technologies, as well as generating around 20MW of low carbon, renewable electricity.

Mr Williams said: “The Chester team’s work with Thames Gateway Waste to Energy demonstrates that Hill Dickinson’s local offices are able to offer expert knowledge without the City prices. If the scheme is approved, the facility will contribute to the UK’s low carbon targets and allow businesses to access secure and low-cost energy.”

Peter Hynes, vice president of Chinook Urban Mining said: “We are delighted to have secured the land for our facility. We would like to thank Brent Williams and his team from Hill Dickinson for all of their help and support throughout the process.”