Forsters LLP - Mixed-Use Development - Chester, Forsters Appointed for Regeneration Project in Chester

Date: 12 Oct 2006

Chester City Council has appointed law firm Forsters to handle a major new development agreement. The development will be undertaken by Steeldock Ltd and will comprise a new sports arena, a Hilton hotel, more than 300 affordable homes and 400 open market homes, as well as two new fire stations. The development, which will also include a new 100 acre country park at Sealand Meadows, a community art gallery and a further swimming pool development in the south of the city, represents a major investment in the future of Chester. The Council is now inviting comments from the public on the proposed scheme.

The appointment of Forsters to handle this major project builds on the firm's work for Chester City Council on a separate development agreement for a retail led scheme that will remodel the historic city centre of Chester. This agreement was recently signed with developer Northgate Limited Partnership. Forsters advised the Council on the structure of the agreement and property documentation matters relating to Section 106 agreements, the compulsory purchase order inquiry and property litigation. Forsters continues to advise the Council on the implementation of the agreement.

Forsters was selected for the new regeneration project following a competitive tender process based on its track record and its ability to provide advice on development agreements, planning law, compulsory purchase issues, construction law and tax.

Smita Edwards, the Forsters partner who is leading the team working on the project, said: "This is a exciting regeneration project which will demonstrate our ability to pull together multi-disciplinary teams from across the firm. We are delighted to have been selected by Chester City Council for a second time and look forward to working with them over the coming years."

Andrew Jamieson, Principal Development Surveyor at Chester City Council said: " We are very pleased to be working with Forsters and look forward to progressing this complex and interesting regeneration project with them".

Ashursts are acting on behalf of the developer, Steeldock Ltd.

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