Dual appointment boosts London Borough’s plans for regeneration - 23 Apr 2008
The London Borough of Croydon has appointed Newcastle-based Dickinson Dees LLP to advise on a £70 million urban regeneration of New Addington town centre and a project to improve leisure centres across the region.
In partnership with the council, the New Addington regeneration scheme will deliver new community facilities including a swimming pool, public library, community centre, council offices, healthcare centre and supermarket. The scheme will also deliver a significant level of new private and affordable residential housing. Tesco has been selected as the preferred developer of the mixed-use scheme.
Based on the firm’s long-term relationship with the Borough, Dickinson Dees was selected for its ability to advise on all aspects of the major regeneration programme that will help modernise the ailing town centre. The scheme drew upon the expertise of the firm’s procurement, social housing, property development and planning teams. Partner Ian Ward, a leading urban regeneration specialist who headed the 10 strong team, said:
“New Addington is a strong community that has lacked investment in previous decades. As a result, much of the residential housing and some community facilities have fallen into a state of decline. The mixed-use scheme will provide not only the catalyst for rejuvenating the fortunes of the district, but will also help to attract new residents to the area.”
In addition to this high profile appointment, Dickinson Dees has also advised the Council on the long-term provision of its leisure services, including a ten-year management contract, let to charitable leisure operator Fusion.
“Dickinson Dees’ national expertise in both urban regeneration and PFI / PPP schemes can be seen throughout the UK. The complexities and intricacies of the New Addington scheme coupled with the strong working relationship already in place proved a deciding factor in both appointments,” said Julie Belvir, Secretary and Solicitor of Croydon Council. “The professional and skilled advice provided cross-departmentally by the firm has proven invaluable in ensuring the long-term success of these two important schemes.”