Leading Individuals

Next Generation Partners

Rising Stars

Commercial property: Sheffield, South Yorkshire in Yorkshire And The Humber

CMS

The ‘responsive and experienced’ Sheffield-based team at CMS excels in advising clients on commercial property transactions. The team enjoys close relationships with property investors, large holding bodies, and major occupiers, which it frequently assists with acquisitions and disposals, and is also active on corporate leasing matters. Led by Tanya Holt, who regularly works with institutional investors such as BlackRock, the team’s offering is bolstered by asset management expert Chris Chambers as well as key contacts Rebecca Kitchingham and Sarah Meldrum. The arrival of Helen Balliger from DWF further strengthened the practice’s offering for logistics clients.

Practice head(s):

Tanya Holt


Other key lawyers:

Rebecca Kitchingham; Sarah Meldrum; Helen Balliger; Chris Chambers


Testimonials

‘The CMS Sheffield office provides a cost-efficient, responsive and experienced commercial property service.’

‘Sarah Meldrum: very hands-on, hard-working, personable and a capable team manager.’

Key clients

ARA Dunedin and The Carlyle Group (JV)


Ardent


Arrival Automotive UK Limited


Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited


Basildon Borough Council


Blackrock UK Property Fund


Brockton Capital


CBRE Investment Management


Civitas Group


Columbia Threadneedle Property Investments


DTZ Investors


Dunedin Property Asset Management Limited


Glasgow City Council


ISIO


Landsec


MS Amlin Limited


Mace Limited


Marie Curie


Mirastar


National Grid UK Pension Scheme Trustee Limited


NewRiver REIT plc.


Orchard Therapeutics (Europe) Limited


Palace Capital


Primary Health Properties PLC


Sheffield City Council


Sidley Austin LLP


Tarmac Cement and Lime Limited


The Crown Estate


The Metrocentre Partnership


The University of Sheffield


Travelex UK Ltd


Verity Trustees Limited


Vestas-Celtic Wind Technology Ltd.


Wolseley UK Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised BlackRock UK Property Fund on the acquisition of the prime central London office building Saffron House for £95m.
  • Advised The Crown Estate on its sale White Lodge Business Park, a major multi-let industrial and warehousing estate in Norwich for £39.2m.
  • Advised ARA Dunedin on a range of purchases, including the £55m acquisition of 10 Yodel sites across the UK.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper’s Sheffield real estate practice is very active in portfolio management work and counts national and regional names such as Tata Steel and the University of Sheffield among its key clients. The team, which frequently works alongside the corporate and restructuring practices, handles acquisitions, disposals and broader asset management advice for large corporate entities, and also actively assists with occupations and development projects. The Sheffield team is led by location head Nigel Howard, a key contact for large-scale development schemes and transactional matters. Other names to note include consultant Stephen Blacksell, who manages the team’s close relationships with major student accommodation providers, and Mark Keeling, who is noted for his property portfolio advice.

Practice head(s):

Nigel Howard


Other key lawyers:

Stephen Blacksell; Mark Keeling; Marc Harvey; Sarah Sprenger


Key clients

Algeco


CASL New Cross (London) Property Owner Limited


Canon Medical Systems Limited


EQT Real Investments Sarl


GE Energy


Hain Daniels


Heygate & Sons


ITM Power (Trading) Limited


Ibstock Plc


Kohlberg Kravis Roberts


MAS Real Estate Inc


Miller Homes Limited


Rhodia UK Limited


Roundhill Capital


Sheffield Wednesday Football Club Limited


Solvay


Sytner


Tapton Estates


Tata Steel UK Limited


Tes Global Limited


University of Sheffield


Vaillant Limited


Wavin (Orbia)


Work highlights


  • Advised Tata Steel UK Limited, one of Europe’s largest steel producers, on a wide variety of issues relating to its diverse property portfolio across the UK and Europe.
  • Acted for the University of Sheffield on a number of AMRC sites, including AMRC Broughton, AMRC Samlesbury, and AMRC Derby.
  • Advised Vaillant Limited on the construction and taking of a lease of new manufacturing premises at St Modwen Park, Derby.

Irwin Mitchell

The ‘extremely knowledgeable’ commercial property practice at Irwin Mitchell is noted for its portfolio management advice. Corporate clients and property developers regularly instruct the practice to handle the lettings and transactional aspects of property estates. The team also assists with flagship development projects, including major infrastructure and regeneration schemes. The practice is led by Leeds-based contact James Knowles, while the Sheffield office is home to key contacts Martyn Holland, who advises on real estate investments, and Ben Rogers, who is noted for his development expertise. Anastasija Beard is another name to note.

Practice head(s):

James Knowles


Other key lawyers:

Ben Rogers; Martyn Holland; Anastasija Beard; Guy Whitehead


Testimonials

‘Excellent responses to general and specialist queries.’

‘Irwin Mitchell takes time to understand our organisation and overall direction.’

‘Guy Whitehead is on your side.’

‘They are extremely knowledgeable in their field. Always available to answer queries, big or small. Client portal is very useful. We have a great working relationship. If we need advice from other specialisms, it is always on hand.’

‘Anastasija Beard is an outstanding individual. Highly efficient and knowledgeable in her field.’

Key clients

Al Ain Holding LLC


Arcam Developments Management 1 Limited


Artisan Real Estate


Artium Group Limited


Boston College


Caddick Land


Christeyns (UK) limited


Country Style Foods Ltd


Crescent Developments (York) Limited


Dobbies Garden Centres Limited


EE Ventures Limited


Excel Parking Services Limited


Ferrero UK Limited


Furnival Quay Limited


Fusion Global Management LLP


Gleeson Homes


Gravity Active Entertainment


HSBC Bank PLC


Hartpury University


Henry Boot PLC


Heworth Green Developments Limited


Jaynic Properties Ltd


Jones Lang LaSalle Limited


Keepmoat Homes Limited


Magnum Homes


Manor Oaks Property Limited


Newham Sixth Form College


Newmarket Lane Limited


Pennine Property Partnership


Persimmon Homes Limited


Peveril Securities Limited


Rula Developments Limited


Rula Homes


Sheffield Hallam University


Strata Homes (Yorkshire) Limited


Summit Learning Trust


Suon Group


Swallowfield Homes Limited


The Dyson Group PLC


Thorntons Limited


University of Maryland


Vistry Partnerships (Yorkshire) Limited


Wilton Developments Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Dobbies Garden Centres Limited on the development of its new flagship garden centre in Tewkesbury, which opened its doors in November 2022.
  • Advised Rula Developments Limited on the conditional purchase of Plot 6 and Plot 6a comprising 18 acres of land at the former Hatfield Main colliery (currently known as Unity).
  • Advised Dobbies Garden Centres Limited on a network deal with strategic partner, CVS Group Limited, one of the largest integrated veterinary service providers in the UK.

Shoosmiths LLP

The real estate practice at Shoosmiths LLP continues to expand its presence in the strategic land and regeneration spaces, maintaining close relationships with clients such as Hallam Land Management. Developers, property holding entities and investors frequently instruct the team to advise on property portfolios, in the context of which it regularly acts on acquisitions and disposals as well as major development projects. Sheffield’s national head of strategic land Thomas Hall heads up the practice, while Kellie Hatton leads on many development projects. David Goy, who advises on transactional matters, and Kate McGoverne, whose expertise lies in portfolio management work, are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Hall


Other key lawyers:

Kellie Hatton; David Goy; Kate McGoverne


Testimonials

‘The team covers the whole spectrum of real estate, with each person or point of contact seamlessly calling on others for advice when required.’

‘Tom Hall is a calm, composed and well-rounded adviser with a willing attitude and guiding advice.’

‘A committed, commercially aware, close-knit bunch which work hard to deliver an exceptional cost-efficient service.’

‘Kellie Hatton leads the Shoosmiths team and acts across our UK residential portfolio. The work has covered complex restructuring issues, and various development and asset management challenges, such as guiding us through the Building Safety Act, ensuring infrastructure is brought on stream for our new developments in a timely manner, and advising on the interface between the fund and our property managers across the portfolio. Kellie takes a very commercial approach, and is always on hand to direct us to the relevant expertise within Shoosmiths, no matter what the issue.’

‘Extensive knowledge of freehold and leasehold property purchase contracts. Their willingness to contact by phone and their availability/prompt replies.’

‘Kellie Hatton’s professional and expeditious attention to the contract format and inquiries, together with her own experience led input, puts her ahead of all the legal personnel we have dealt with.’

Key clients

ATN Farms Limited


Avant Homes


Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council


Boots Plc


Buccleuch Property


Commercial Estates Group


Countryside Properties Plc


Derwent


Doncaster Borough Council


Dorsia Homes


ETEL (Kwik Fit)


Hallam Land Management Limited


Hannick Homes


Harworth Group Plc


Henry Boot Developments Limited


Invesco Real Estate


James Hall and Company Limited


Jaywing Plc


Kirklees College


Litton Properties Limited


Property Capital Plc


Select Property Group/Vita


South Yorkshire Housing Association


Taylor Wimpey


The Greater Manchester Youth Federation


The Gym


The Restaurant Group (UK) Limited


Underwood Meat Company


Wagamama Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Hallam Land on the sale of land at Valley Park, Didcot to Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey for the development of up to 4,254 new houses with ancillary sports pitches, primary schools, and community facilities including new healthcare provision.
  • Advised Buccleuch Property (Kettering) Limited on the ongoing residential development at Westhill, Kettering.
  • Advised Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council on the proposed development of the Rockingham development in Barnsley.

Lupton Fawcett

Lupton Fawcett’s Sheffield-based real estate practice is ‘very good at strategic planning’ and primarily focuses on residential and commercial development projects. Claire Mayfield-Tulip, the team’s resident development specialist, maintains close relations with developers across the region, which she assists with all development and letting activities. She co-leads the practice with Julian Rowden, who is a key contact for clients in the agricultural space. The team is also active in advising on commercial sales and leases, for which Sophie Telling is another name to note.

Practice head(s):

Claire Mayfield-Tulip; Julian Rowden


Other key lawyers:

Sophie Telling


Testimonials

‘This team is very professional and knowledgeable. They are very good at strategic planning and due diligence, giving us maximum confidence when purchasing development sites.’

‘They are willing to go the extra mile. This often puts us ahead of the game in negotiations.’

Key clients

Ackroyd & Abbott Limited


Blue Deer Limited


Magnetic Systems Technology Limited


Pennine Lubricants Limited


Silvergate Residential Limited (t/a Dorsia Homes)


Sky House Co


Walshaw Homes


Work highlights


  • Advised Walshaw Homes on the funding, development and onward sale of a new 22 house residential estate named “Valley View”.
  • Advised Silvergate Residential Limited on the development and sale of Moorcrest Mews.
  • Advised Blue Deer Limited on the commercial development of, and ongoing lettings at, The Glass Yard at Chesterfield.

Wake Smith Solicitors Limited

Wake Smith Solicitors Limited maintains a Sheffield offering concentrated on the corporate occupations space, where the practice advises regional and national clients such as the Salvation Army on portfolio management issues, headquarter purchases and leases, and disposals. Practice head Neil Salter is a key contact for investment matters, while Paul Gibbon advises corporate occupiers and Ben Spencer expands the team’s expertise in real estate finance and lease management matters. At the associate level, Laura Saul, who specialises in landlord and tenant work, is also highly recommended for her ‘outstanding attention to detail’.

Practice head(s):

Neil Salter


Other key lawyers:

Paul Gibbon; Ben Spencer; Laura Saul


Testimonials

‘Wide range of commercial property skills with sensible and straightforward advice.’

‘Neil Salter is available and innovative, offering practical solutions to protect the interests of the client.’

‘Sound professional advice.’

Key clients

Campbell Homes Limited


Eastco Homes Limited


GI Group Recruitment Limited


HSBC UK Bank PLC


J.A.B. Short Limited


London & Associated Properties PLC


Proact IT UK Limited


Salvation Army Trading Company Limited


Sheffield Diocesan Board of Finance


Sheffield Property Association


Toon Properties Limited/Kitchen Craft Design Limited


Turner Investments Limited/First Degree Investment Management Limited


Wantage Development Limited


Westfield Contributory Health Scheme Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for London & Associated Properties PLC and reported to QIB (UK) PLC’s solicitors on its refinancing – a £13.6m senior loan facility affecting over 90 properties, including 10 parades of shops across the country and a Cheshire industrial estate.
  • Advised GI Group Recruitment Limited on the lease of its new head office, a 10 year lease at a rent rising to £113,600 per annum.
  • Advised LabLogic Group Holdings Limited on its purchase of an office building for £1.25m.