PARTNERSHIP TRIBUTE

May 7 2008 by Graeme King, The Journal

THE strength of the construction and property industries in the region is mirrored by the growth of Watson Burton law firm’s legal presence in both sectors.

The Landmark Awards build on the partnerships between property professionals to celebrate specific development successes that contribute to the changing cityscapes of the North East.

Watson Burton’s 41-strong property department completed a record £1.7bn worth of transactions last year, and has built on that even further during a very busy 2008. Offices in Newcastle, Leeds and London provide a strong national presence.

Headed by partner Richard Freeman-Wallace, the property department boasts an impressive list of clients, many involved in high-profile new developments throughout the country.

Recent transactions include Aker Kvaerner’s regional headquarters move to a new-build development, and the sale of its existing site in Stockton to Miller Homes for £8.2m. The firm separately advised Aker on its new-build office scheme, the largest pre-let at Teesside for a decade.

Watson Burton acted for Garlands Call Centres on the acquisition of its new contact centre at South Tyneside, which will create up to 1,000 jobs, and are working on the multi-million pound sale of Fergusons’ headquarter premises at Blyth Riverside Business Park.