Member Article

Law firm reveals major role on historic multi-million-pound development scheme

Building on a relationship spanning several years, partner, Simon Robinson, at Durham City’s leading law firm, Swinburne Maddison LLP (Swinburne Maddison) is pleased to see the multi-million pound development of Lambton Estate, near Bournmoor, Chester-le-Street, now finally underway.

Described as one of County Durham’s ‘hidden gems’ which had fallen into decline, the planning consent obtained for the development of part of the Lambton Estate some three years ago will see the renovation of the Grade II listed Lambton Castle, architect Ignatius Bonomi’s Lamb Bridge and castle stables and the construction of many new homes together with associated commercial and retail development.

Over the last few years, Mr Robinson has played a major role in assembling the site for sale, acting on behalf of client, Theakston Estate Company Limited (Theakston) alongside the Trustees of Lambton Estate.

The construction work is now underway with development partner Miller Homes, who bid for and secured the first site to come to market, at the eastern entrance to Lambton Park. Miller Homes will build 106 three, four and five-bedroom bespoke homes designed by Ben Pentreath and refined by POD architecture along with one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

As Mr Robinson, explains, this is the first phase to be developed, so it is extremely important that homes built here reflect the development team’s ambitious aspirations for the site, demonstrating both the heritage of the estate and the highest levels of quality and aesthetic appeal, because they set the tone for future phases. He said:

“It is satisfying to see construction work now getting underway. I worked on this project before I joined Swinburne Maddison, acting as legal adviser to Theakston at the time the option to purchase certain areas of land was taken up. My instruction in this matter followed me to my new role and I have since negotiated several supplemental agreements and a Section 106 planning agreement. My longstanding relationship with Theakston and my knowledge of the various projects has been particularly helpful.

“When drafting the legal documentation relating to the sale and other related matters, it has been necessary to work very closely with the Trustees of the Lambton Estate’s solicitors, Withers Worldwide LLP in London, together with the solicitors for Miller Homes Limited and GSC Grays, the managing agent acting on behalf of Lambton Estate. Since it was necessary for all documentation to be approved at every stage and by all parties, this was both a complex and challenging process, with the overriding aim of keeping the transaction on track.”

“Going forward, this is the first phase of a much larger scheme which, if all goes to plan, should generate further involvement for Swinburne Maddison over the coming years.”

Theakston director, Chris Harrison, said: “After many years of hard work covering planning, architectural, commercial and legal issues it’s great to see diggers on site and the first phase being implemented.

At all stages of the project Simon Robinson has provided commercially astute legal advice ensuring a robust contractual framework within which the development is now being delivered. It’s a testament to Simon’s hard work and tenacity that, despite three sets of solicitors being involved, the transaction moved swiftly and smoothly with all parties being focused on completing the deal.“

“Simon continues to advise on future phases of the Lambton Park project alongside other development proposals Theakston are involved with and is recognised as a leading solicitor in the property sector. Over the years Simon has handled many complex transactions on our behalf and is a valued member of the team.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clothier Lacey & Co .