Pictured above: Robert Lee, corporate partner at Wright
Hassall
Warwickshire-based law firm Wright Hassall has played a major
part in the sale of a slice of the UK's industrial heritage.
Gill Worthington, a Commercial Property partner at Wright
Hassall, led the team in the sale and leaseback of its historic
Middleport Pottery site in Stoke-on-Trent to the Prince's
Regeneration Trust, which involved co-operation across the firm's
property, construction and corporate teams.
Burgess Dorling & Leigh produces the world-renowned
Burleighware brand of blue and white floral pottery and is a
subsidiary of Denby Holdings Limited, following its acquisition led
by corporate partner Robert Lee, last year
Prince's Regeneration Trust's subsidiary, the United Kingdom
Historic Building Preservation Trust (UKHBPT), will renovate the
Grade II* listed buildings, which are over 150 years old, and will
lease approximately half of the site back to Burgess Dorling &
Leigh for pottery production, ensuring the site will continue to be
used for its original industrial purpose, traditional skills will
be preserved and Victorian machinery and other historical artefacts
will be saved.
Some of the buildings at Middleport will be developed,
modernised and let to other craft businesses.
A major visitor and education centre will also be developed
which will create jobs and allow visitors to learn about the
history and inner workings of the one of the last Victorian
potteries in Britain.
Lee said: "This deal will allow Burleighware to move forward,
while the Middleport site will be given a new lease of life through
a considerable investment and restoration programme. It is good
news for all parties and for the region."
The acquisition has been made possible through funding from
English Heritage, The Regional Growth Fund, the Heritage Lottery
Fund, The European Regional Development Fund and several
substantial private donations as well as significant support from
professional services firms.
For more information about Wright Hassall, please visit their
website here: www.wrighthassall.co.uk