Pictured above: Robert Norris
Law firms DLA Piper and DWF are both celebrating after advising
on a fundamental transport project for the Midlands and getting the
first phase of the development off the starting blocks.
Robert Norris, partner at DLA Piper and Claire Chapman of DWF,
both played pivotal roles in pulling together the complex legal
requirements of Phase 1 of the Wolverhampton Interchange Project,
which is a major regeneration scheme for the city.
The project will provide the city with a new bus station, a
pedestrian footbridge link over the ring road to the rail station,
a series of associated highways and civil engineering works and new
retail and office space. It also includes refurbishment of the
Queens Building, a Grade II listed property which will then be
restored to its former glory, and demolition of Pipers Row
House.
Transport Authority Centro is working with partners
Wolverhampton City Council, Advantage West Midlands and Neptune
Developments to bring forward Phase 1 of the wider £174
million Wolverhampton Interchange scheme. Demolition work on the
bus station, part of the £22.5 million first phase, got under
way in April. BAM is the lead contractor.
DLA Piper acted for Centro, which owned Pipers Row House and
leased and operated the rest of the bus station.
The DWF legal team act for Neptune Developments Limited, whose
proposals to build a new transport interchange are key to the
transformation of the city, whilst enhancing historic links with
the city centre. The bus station will be rebuilt on its existing
site, bringing significantly improved world class facilities for
passengers, and will be complimented by a wide range of commercial
and retail uses.
Robert Norris of DLA Piper, working with construction colleague
Kelly Loft and real estate colleague Sabrina Gunn, said: "It was a
particularly complex assignment because of the number of
stakeholders involved. Centro had to negotiate with various parties
to protect its interests and ensure the project got underway
smoothly which led to more than 50 documents requiring to be
negotiated on Centro's part. It was also an extremely sensitive
deal given the high profile and important nature of the work."
Claire Chapman, real estate partner, led the DWF team of legal
specialists. Claire Chapman said: "This is a very high profile and
long awaited regeneration project which will transform the city of
Wolverhampton. It involved the co-operation and co-ordination of a
number of interested parties and, in particular, a real drive and
commitment from the city council, Centro and Neptune to make this
happen."
Phase 2 of the Wolverhampton Interchange project will deliver an
improved railway station and significant further commercial space.
Historic links between the city centre and the train and bus
stations will be maintained and enhanced with a new footbridge
built over the ring road.