Commercial property - Newcastle
Oct 1 2010 The Journal
Dickinson Dees LLP
Eversheds LLP
Muckle LLP
Ward Hadaway
Watson Burton LLP
Crutes Law Firm
Hay & Kilner
Mincoff Solicitors LLP
Sintons LLP
Optima Legal
Short Richardson & Forth LLP
NEWCASTLE: Dickinson Dees LLP's standing and expertise in the commercial property sector has ensured a steady flow of instructions from new and existing clients, despite the ongoing turbulence in the sector.
The practice incorporates real estate, environment, litigation and corporate support, with recent highlights including advising Huntsman Tioxide on the disposal of a CHP plant, and North Tyneside Council on the sale of the 60-acre former Swan Hunter shipyard. John Ralph heads the practice and brings extensive property finance expertise to the table, while Ian Ward has strong public sector property development expertise.
Eversheds LLP’s Newcastle-based practice provides a “holistic, comprehensive service”, advising on key developments and plot sales and disposals for a client roster that includes Tesco, South Tyneside Council and One North East. Adam Heather receives praise for his expertise in public sector regeneration projects.
Clients value the level of attentiveness and specialist knowledge exhibited by Muckle LLP’s team, which “is virtually identical to having an in-house group of solicitors”. Headed by the “highly personable” Jonathan Combe, the team acted for the McAleer & Rushe Group on the development and letting of a number of hotels to the Jurys group, including at Baltic Quays, Gateshead. The public sector group, under the “approachable and flexible” Nick Todd, has seen a rise in transactions from the likes of London South Bank University.
Ward Hadaway’s clients report that they “never fail to be impressed” with the attentiveness and in-depth expertise of the team. The firm acted for the Banks Group in connection with a multi-million-pound regeneration scheme at the former Bates Colliery site at Blyth, while the property healthcare team has been making strides for its health trust client base. Public sector practice head Simon Priestley attracts praise for his “commitment to providing good customer service”.
Watson Burton LLP received a boost in the public sector with the arrival of Henry Cave and his 13 years’ experience in PFI and NHS LIFT schemes. Recent highlights for the team include acting for Carillion Arlington Real Estate on a mixed-use development at Durham Gate, as well as acting on the sale of two halls of residence to the University of Sunderland. Richard Freeman-Wallace heads the team.
Crutes Law Firm built on its traditional strengths in property investment, landlord and tenant issues and secured lending in 2009, and attracts praise for its “thorough and experienced team”. With a strong private and third sector client base, the team acted for Peter Stevens Estates Ltd on the £8m purchase of two multi-let industrial estates in the North West, and has picked up a number of instructions from doctors’ practices in Tyne and Wear and County Durham. Paul Earnshaw heads the Newcastle offering, and is noted for his attention to detail.
Hay & Kilner is particularly known for its work for clients in the care sector, although it also handles a steady flow of work from a broad sector base. Recent highlights include acting for Chartres Investment Company on the acquisition of a substantial, recently constructed freehold property. Paul Taylor heads the practice.
Mincoff Solicitors LLP continues to field a strong presence in the leisure sector, where it acts on a number of property portfolios, and represents new client JTF Wholesale Ltd on the administration of its national property portfolio. Senior partner Howard Gold is the key figure.
Sintons LLP’s “thorough, teamwork-orientated” practice saw a significant amount of expansion in 2009 in terms of both team size and new clients, which include U Student (Sunderland) Ltd and ATH Resources. It acted for the former on the acquisition of a student village development of 550 student bedrooms with social facilities.
Optima Legal’s Alexandra Cook acts for Abigail’s Kitchen on commercial lease acquisitions. It is particularly strong in the SME and startup sector.
At Short Richardson & Forth LLP, David Richardson focuses on investment property and commercial property development.
