DLA Piper has advised UK Mail on an agreement with the Department for Transport to relocate its central distribution hub in the West Midlands to make way for the High Speed Two rail link between London and Birmingham.

The current depot, in Bromford, stands on the site of the proposed line, but will be relocated to a 200,000 sq ft facility in Coventry, subject to planning. Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2014, with the move anticipated in spring 2015.

Kate Creer, partner and compulsory purchase specialist at DLA Piper, commented: "We were brought in by UK Mail to advise it on the relocation of its UK hub and advised that an agreement for advance purchase, giving UK Mail certainty and reducing the potential compensation payable from the public purse, was the way forward."

Fiona Thomson, partner in the Real Estate group at DLA Piper, commented: "We are delighted to have advised UK Mail on the successful conclusion of this agreement with the Department for Transport. As a result, UK Mail is able to develop a state-of-the-art hub and HS2 Ltd has demonstrated its ability to work with businesses to secure long term benefits for both.”