Hugh James advises on one of Wales' largest Regeneration Schemes

The top 100 UK law firm has been supporting Whiteheads Development Company Ltd, which is part of the Tirion Group – a charitable not-for-profit organisation which provides affordable housing across Wales. Lawyers from the firm’s Commercial Property team, led by Senior Associate Christy Welsh and Associate Aimee Srdic, along with the Construction team, led by Partner Alun Tobias, advised on the land acquisition from Welsh Government, the sale of part of the site to Lovell Partnerships, an innovative funding model, and the development agreement with Lovell.  

The brownfield site will be turned into an £85m mixed tenure development, called Royal Victoria Court, and will be located off Mendalgief Road, in the Pilgwenlly area of Newport. It will comprise 528 properties - a mix of open market and affordable homes. The affordable properties will include homes for social rent, affordable rent, and shared ownership. The site will also include a new neighbourhood centre and a Primary School being constructed by Newport City Council.

The development will be managed in partnership by housing developer Lovell and Tirion, with support from Newport City Council and the Welsh Government. Completion of the development is expected in March 2025, and the first open market homes will be available for sale in December 2021.

Commenting on the project, Hugh James Senior Associate, Christy Welsh said today:

“This has been an exciting and complex project to be involved in, with an innovative funding model, and a fresh vision and purpose for such an iconic local site. The Whiteheads steelworks employed local families for generations and we can’t wait to see this new development spring to life to serve the local community once again, in a different way, for many more years to come.”

Notes to Editors:

• Hugh James is a full-service, top 100 UK law firm, and the largest firm in Wales - offering specialist legal and financial advice. It has award-winning offices in Cardiff and London.
• Over the last 30 years, Hugh James has established itself as one of the leading social housing law firms. Its social housing team employs over 50 lawyers, paralegals and support staff, extensive experience and expertise in the sector, serving a client base of over 40 housing associations and local authorities.

• The Hugh James Commercial Property team works across the public and private sectors and serves clients including UK Housing Associations, education institutions, large housebuilders, developers, investors and portfolio occupiers.
• The team provides support in a wide variety of areas, including complex and high value acquisitions and disposals, contract and lease negotiations, urban regeneration and mixed-use developments, and strategic property portfolio advice.
• The Construction and Projects team has extensive experience of advising clients in the construction and engineering sector on both projects and the disputes that can arise. The team acts for a range of clients ranging from government and public authorities to banks, developers, contractors, and subcontractors.
• Tirion Homes Ltd is a subsidiary of the Tirion Group. Tirion is a charitable not-for-profit organisation established following an initial alliance between Welsh Government and Principality Building Society. Tirion’s unique financial model allows them to channel all profits through to delivering high-quality affordable housing in Wales. Its mission is to create and supply high quality desirable homes that are within the financial reach of young families and lower-income households. Tirion currently has three developments underway; The Mill in Cardiff, Parc Eirin in Tonyrefail and Whiteheads in Newport.

For more information, please contact Rachel Moss on 07583 049 221 or email Rachel.moss@hughjames.com