Wragges helps to wrap up Sandwell lifestyle centre scheme
BIRMINGHAM law firm Wragge & Co’s PFI team has advised on the development of Portway Lifestyle Centre in Sandwell.
The complex project has created a venue offering sport, leisure, social care and health facilities (including a GP surgery) under one roof.
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and Sandwell Leisure Trust, which will run the new centre, have been working alongside Sandwell Primary Care Trust and Sandwell LIFTCo. The scheme has also benefited from significant investment by Sport England.
The centre will feature a café, four-court sports hall, hydrotherapy pool, a climbing wall, dance studio, fitness suite and a full-sized, all-weather pitch.
A cross-firm team of PFI and infrastructure specialists led by partner David Fennell advised on the scheme. Fennell said: “Completion on this project required a cohesive, single-team effort to work closely with the parties involved and reach financial close.”
Mike Nicklin, regional general manager of Sandwell LIFT Company said: “Financial close is a significant achievement by all parties concerned. A major factor in this has been the expertise and commitment of Wragge & Co, who have shown real determination to make this scheme a reality.”
PFI associate Dominic Richardson and solicitor Hannah Coad supported David Fennell on the project. Associates Catherine Hood and Victoria Keers advised on property while partner Paul Green provided construction advice and partner Chris Brierley advised on finance aspects.
