Law firm advises Newcastle City Council on Stephenson Quarter regeneration joint venture

Law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has advised Newcastle City Council on its joint venture with private sector developer PfP igloo, a partnership that will complete the rebirth of the city’s Stephenson Quarter.

The joint venture, Stephenson Works LLP, will continue the regeneration of the 4.3 acre of brownfield land behind Central Station and bring new residential development, office space, and leisure and public facilities. The development will also create around 2,000 jobs.

Phase one of the development has already seen the creation of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Rocket Offices, the Boiler Shop venue, a multi-storey car park and a University Technology College. As part of phase two, and with an investment to the tune of £104m, six plots of land owned by the council will be developed by the new joint venture over a seven-year period.

The WBD team advising Newcastle City Council was led by legal director Iain Pritty and senior counsel Ian Ward. They advised on the proposed joint venture structure, assisted with all aspects of the procurement process and led the negotiations in relation to real estate and corporate matters.

Ian Ward of WBD said: "Helping our clients to support the North East economy is an important strategic goal for WBD and so we're thrilled to have acted for Newcastle City Council on this exciting joint venture with PfP igloo.

“It's great to see the public and private sector coming together to form partnerships such as this one in order to create jobs, boost investment and revitalise derelict sites at the heart of the city. The fact that the deal got agreed and signed in these challenging times is testament to the opportunities for long term growth and development in Newcastle."

Michelle Percy, Director of Place at Newcastle City Council, said: "It's been a pleasure working with the WBD team again and we're grateful for their ongoing commitment and excellent legal expertise. Being able to rely on a local team of lawyers, from a large international firm, with the right regional know how and understanding of the market and the city, has been key for us."