The Edinburgh real estate team of Shoosmiths has provided pro-bono advice to the Leith Theatre Trust on the lease of the Leith Theatre complex in Edinburgh.

Leith Theatre Trust was established in 2004 as a community trust to examine the options for the re-use of the theatre complex. As part of the deal with Edinburgh City Council the trust plans to lead efforts to carry out a multi-million pound refurbishment which will revive the 1000 capacity arena and offer rehearsal and workshop space to local artists.

The Shoosmiths team, led by associate Laura Bloxham agreed a five year lease with the council which will secure the long-term future of the building, with a further 30-year lease agreed in principle. The lease has not only secured control of the Leith Theatre, but also the neighbouring Thomas Morton Hall which will be regenerated to create a new multi-purpose arts centre.

Jack Hunter, one of the Directors of the Leith Theatre Trust, said: 'We'd like to thank Laura and the team at Shoosmiths for their expert negotiation skills and pragmatic advice. Their pro bono support has helped us turn our vision for a new arts centre into reality.'

Shoosmiths associate, Laura Bloxham, commented: ''Supporting the local community is something that we are committed to at Shoosmiths, so it was a real pleasure to be able to offer our pro-bono services on such an exciting project that will benefit local businesses, residents and visitors to the area. We wish the Leith Theatre Trust every success in the future.'

Shoosmiths' real estate group is one of the largest in the UK, made up of teams advising on real estate, construction, planning, property litigation, and environmental issues.

Shoosmiths' clients include commercial and residential developers, investors, retail and leisure operators, social housing bodies, major corporate occupiers, banks and other funders and a range of public sector bodies.