We are supporting Stafford Borough Council in delivering a £22m regeneration programme for Stafford town centre, transforming two major sites into a mixed-use commercial and residential scheme designed to boost the local economy.
Our work began in 2023 and has spanned the full lifecycle of regeneration, covering site acquisition strategy, due diligence, rights of light, planning advice, lease management, procurement and redevelopment support. We worked alongside Lambert Smith Hampton to secure the acquisition of the Guildhall Shopping Centre and the former Co-op department store, overcoming challenges such as ransom pricing, complex leasehold issues and legacy title defects. In the case of the Guildhall, we negotiated commercially viable terms, ensured compliance with Best Value and subsidy control requirements and delivered vacant possession of units to enable demolition.
For the Co-op site, we advised on title upgrade from possessory to absolute and resolved complex rights of light concerns, including obtaining indemnity insurance. We also drafted a conditional acquisition agreement to protect the council’s financial position while legal risks were addressed. In parallel, we led lease management activity, securing vacant possession, relocating tenants to support retail continuity and restructuring lease terms to resolve longstanding service charge recovery issues.
We acted for the council in procuring a demolition contractor, preparing and negotiating the demolition contract for both sites under a JCT Design and Build 2024 form. The contract included tailored amendments to reflect the council’s insurance programme, payment obligations and statutory duties. Our next phase of support includes advising on the procurement of a joint venture partner, structuring development agreements and agreements for lease with housing and commercial partners and advising on the management of the newly created public realm.
Our role has ensured that Stafford Borough Council is progressing regeneration efficiently and strategically, minimising legal and financial risks while delivering long-term social and economic impact.
