Dickinson Dees will give advice on £70m scheme

May 14 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

THE London Borough of Croydon has appointed Newcastle-based Dickinson Dees LLP to advise on a £70m regeneration of a Surrey town and a project to improve leisure centres across the county.

The regeneration of New Addington, near Croydon, will deliver new community facilities including a swimming pool, public library, community centre, council offices, healthcare centre and supermarket.

The scheme will also provide new private and affordable residential housing with Tesco being chosen as the preferred developer of the mixed-use scheme.

Dickinson Dees has a long-standing relationship with the borough and says it was selected for its ability to advise on all aspects of the major regeneration programme that will help modernise an ailing town centre.

The scheme drew upon the expertise of the firm’s procurement, social housing, property development and planning teams.

Partner Ian Ward, a leading urban regeneration specialist who headed the 10-strong team, said: “New Addington is a strong community that has lacked investment in previous decades.

“As a result, much of the residential housing and some community facilities have fallen into a state of decline.

“The mixed-use scheme will provide not only the catalyst for rejuvenating the fortunes of the district, but will also help to attract new residents to the area.”

In addition to this appointment, Dickinson Dees has also advised the council on the long-term provision of its leisure services, including a ten-year management contract, let to charitable leisure operator Fusion.

Julie Belvir, secretary and solicitor of Croydon Council, said: “Dickinson Dees’ national expertise in both urban regeneration and PFI / PPP schemes can be seen throughout the UK.

“The complexities and intricacies of the New Addington scheme coupled with the strong working relationship already in place proved a deciding factor in both appointments.

“The professional and skilled advice provided cross-departmentally by the firm has proven invaluable in ensuring the long-term success of these two important schemes.”