SUMMARY OF LEGAL EXPERTISE PROVIDED BY CHESTER ABBEY FOR NON-CONTENTIOUS CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING PROJECTS, ACQUISITIONS AND FINANCE
Chester Abbey offers non-contentious construction and engineering advice to a wide range of clients including developers, funds and other institutional investors, occupiers and high net worth individuals. Chester Abbey’s experience also extends to acting for contractors and consultants.
EXPERTISE
Chester Abbey understands each stage in the lifecycle of a project. We also work in partnership with our clients to deliver the right solutions for their businesses.
PROCUREMENT: NEW BUILDS, COMMERICIAL REFURBISHMENTS, FIT-OUT AND REDEVELOPMENT
We advise on procurement strategies and the negotiation of the documentation required for construction projects, whatever the sector in which it is based. This includes drafting and negotiating legal packs for tenders with contractors at inception and during the design and/or build phase. We can also provide and negotiate architect, structural and mechanical engineering contracts, sub-contractor contracts and terms and conditions of contractor for suppliers.
DUE DILIGENCE
We are well versed in the crucial due diligence process required for investors, funders and purchasers of commercial property. You can trust us to review and report on existing and proposed construction documents to ensure that clients who are financing or taking an interest in a development are protected and aware of any risks in doing so.
MANAGING RISK AND ADDING VALUE
Chester Abbey understands how disputes can arise and how best to avoid them. As part of a wider risk management strategy, our managing risk experience can provide proactive, strategic legal advice during the implementation phase of the project. Together with training and support, this can help you obtain the full benefits you contracted for and assist you to achieve completion of the project on time and on budget.
We can add value to commercial property assets by ensuring that construction contracts are in place and valid at the date of entering into any sale or funding agreement. This may be by the assignment of existing construction contracts or the procurement of collateral warranties for material works in favour of the client and/or any interested third parties. Chester Abbey is also experienced in drafting and procuring letters of reliance in favour of our clients, to provide an additional level of comfort - such as reliance on environmental reports and surveys.
TRAINING AND SUPPORT
Chester Abbey can provide standalone training or ongoing training and support to arm its clients with the knowledge and expertise to manage its own construction and engineering projects. We can do so in-person, by meeting virtually or by video presentation. We can be as flexible to your needs as your business requires.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Don’t take our word for it. Our construction experience is evident by our experience.
PROCUREMENT EXPERIENCE
Procurement of construction documentation (JCT Design and Build) for a large residential development in Nottingham, Trent Bridge Quays in favour of the employer, a JV between a developer and fund. Preparing and negotiating construction contracts for various renovation projects for a well-known luxury retail client for commercial and office space in central London. Advising on and procuring construction contracts and professional team appointments for a high value development in South East London on behalf of an international developer, including liaising with and agreeing agreements with public bodies. Advising on and procuring the construction documentation for a private student accommodation development in Exeter, a complex project involving a Council Agreement, Development Funding Agreement and retail agreements for lease as part of the same site.
DUE DILIGENCE
Acting for funders in various large-scale development finance agreements requiring construction documentation due diligence, reporting and procuring assignments, letters of reliance on site investigation reports and collateral warranties – client examples include sophisticated real estate funds. Advising clients of a well know investment management company on the construction aspects for the sale contract of an office building in central London, for a price of £21 million. Preparing summaries of construction documentation for a large hotel chain in relation to a refinancing of a 28- strong property portfolio across England and Wales. Reviewing and reporting on construction documents in relation to the acquisition of a portfolio of properties including warehouses and retail sites as well as the negotiating of letters of reliance to cover 138 reports in favour of a private equity organisation.
TRAINING AND SUPPORT
Preparing bespoke construction documentation for high end fit-out contractors , recognised as one of the leading contractors for luxury tenant fit-outs in the West End and enabling the client to negotiate contracts themselves in the first and second round of negotiation with their clients. Bringing together investors in property, real estate funds and development advisors for the Future Leaders in Property network in London. Leading quarterly construction and engineering seminars for the Planning and Regeneration Forum in Nottingham and Manchester.
PRICING
We won’t be beaten on price.
PROJECT AND BUDGET SPECIFIC PRICING
Whether you require a fixed fee package or prefer an hourly rate; we can tailor our pricing to your project. We will undertake the initial due diligence to determine the work required and present you with a price that suits the nature of the job and your expectations.
Jamie Swan, a senior solicitor with over 8 years’ experience in non-contentious construction and engineering law, head of Chester Abbey’s construction and engineering department.
js@chesterabbey.co.uk