DWF has advised Oldham Council on site assembly and land acquisition for its proposed £60m ‘Prince’s Gate at Oldham Mumps’ development.

Anchored by Marks & Spencer, the retail-led scheme will deliver 150,000 sq ft of additional retail space and 800 new homes.  The development will substantially enhance other on-going initiatives to regenerate Oldham town centre.

The DWF Real Estate team responsible for structuring the land acquisition and the agreement with M&S was led by Partner, Toby Askin and included Solicitor, Sarah Koening and Associate, Stephen Hickling. Senior Solicitor, Jack Cantwell, provided specialist support on construction related matters. Of particular importance was the relevant procurement and state aid consideration that needed to be given to the proposals, led by Partner Jonathan Branton.     

DWF Partner, Toby Askin, said: “Developments of this scale and complexity demand a high level of legal and technical due diligence.  With so much at stake for the local community it’s been critical for us to apply every ounce of our extensive expertise in this area to ensure nothing can unravel on this project.”

Jim McMahon, Oldham Council Leader, said: “Prince’s Gate at Oldham Mumps is the most ambitious scheme for Oldham Town Centre in decades.  This development will deliver significant new retail space, up to 800 quality new homes, and be worth up to £21 million per year to our local economy.

“It is a very complex deal and DWF have been very important partners in our successes to date – including ending Oldham’s long wait to finally bring M&S to town.”