Hugh James advises on one of Wales’ largest regeneration schemes

Work has begun to transform a former steelworks site in Newport into a vibrant new place for people to live. It’s one of Wales’ largest regeneration schemes and Hugh James has been acting as legal adviser on various aspects of the project.

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.

The development will be managed in partnership by housing developer Lovell and Tirion, with support from the Welsh Government. Completion of the development is expected in March 2025, and the first open market homes will be available for sale in early 2022.

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.”