Lawyers still on board

Mar 11 2009 by Graeme King, The Journal

PUBLIC transport operator Nexus has reappointed Ward Hadaway law firm to advise on property and planning for the Metro.

The appointment comes at a crucial, and controversial, time when Nexus is getting close to selecting a private sector partner to run its services on Tyneside and Wearside.

Dutch-based Serco-NedRailways, German state-owned DB Regio, Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation and an in-house Nexus team are competing to run trains and stations.

Newcastle firm Ward Hadaway has won a three-year deal to advise the Tyne and Wear Metro on work including the grant of new leases on the 60-station Metro network, lease renewals, change of use planning applications and various other property and planning matters. Law firm partner and head of property Neil Robson said: “Metro is one of the crown jewels in the North East’s transport system and a vital part of everyday life for thousands of people in the region, so to be able to play a part in its continuing success is a real privilege for Ward Hadaway.”

Metro director Mick Carbro said: “On behalf of Metro, I congratulate Ward Hadaway on the appointment and look forward to working with the firm’s excellent team on meeting the challenges of the next three years.”

Nexus is to invest £300m over a decade on station and train refurbishments and upgrades of track, power lines, technology and structures on the network, used by 40 million passengers a year.