Practice about to help revitalise town

Dec 2 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

LAW firm Watson Burton has been appointed adviser on a new 60-acre development which is set to breathe new life into a County Durham town.

The Newcastle-based practice is advising the Carillion Arlington Real Estate (CARE) Partnership, a joint venture between Carillion Developments and local property investment specialist Arlington Real Estate, on the Durham gate mixed-use development.

The scheme is set to transform the area through the development of offices, retail space, homes, a local centre with a mix of amenities and sustainable transport links.

Watson Burton will be advising on all of the property aspects of this high-profile development. The property team, led by partner Simon Scougall, has extensive experience of advising on mixed-use developments.

Mr Scougall, property law partner at Watson Burton, said: “This is an enormously important development for the CARE Partnership, County Durham, the region and further afield. We are proud to be involved in a project with such wide-reaching economic benefits.”

The Durham Gate development will include around 440,000sq ft of high-specification offices and retail units which could significantly increase employment in the area through the potential creation of 2,000 new jobs.

In addition to the business units in development, Durham Gate will see the construction of nearly 400 homes and, to support the growing community, a pub, hotel, day nursery, health and fitness club and health centre are also planned.

Neil McMillan, director of Carillion Developments, said: “Watson Burton has a national reputation for the quality of its property advice. It was vital for us to appoint a law firm that shares our vision for Durham Gate and has the experience and expertise to help us to deliver an exciting and sustainable future for the area.”

Allan Cook, director at Arlington Real Estate, added: “We are entering into the first delivery phase of the project and are confident Watson Burton can provide strategic legal direction required for a project of this scope and assist us in creating a regional business location and excellent opportunities for the county.”