09-04-2008
BPE act on the sale of Welsh rugby club land
BPE Solicitors has advised on the sale of land at Stradey Park, home to Llanelli Scarlets RFC, to a national house builder.
Proceeds from the disposal of Stradey Park will be used to fund the new Scarlets stadium and help to secure the Club’s future.
The disposal, to Taylor Wimpey Developments Limited, has generated a huge amount of public interest and a large amount of opposition from local protestors.
The planning application, made by the Scarlets for 450 residential units on the site, resulted in a public inquiry in April last year after the application was called in by the Welsh Assembly. A second inquiry followed in November 2007 after a village green application was made on the site, instigated by the protestor group.
The transaction became increasingly complicated as the twists and turns of the various events took their toll on what otherwise would have been a simple sale contract.
“The project has been subject to a small but dedicated group of protestors who have tried to frustrate the plans of the Scarlets at every turn. This has meant that all negotiations have had to be handled sensitively, with an appreciation that our work was likely to be scrutinised at a later date,” said Commercial Property Partner Antonia Shield, who acted for the Club throughout the sale, ably assisted by Associate Joanne Lacey.
“The course of events has meant that we had to keep adapting and reacting to circumstances and this involved some interesting drafting challenges. Notwithstanding this, it is always worthwhile being involved in a project which is going to help facilitate the regeneration of a wider area, and I look forward to supporting the Scarlets next season in their new stadium,” added Antonia, former South West Commercial Property Adviser of the Year.
The new stadium is being developed in a joint venture by the Scarlets with Carmarthenshire County Council. It is due to be ready during the 2008/2009 rugby season.
BPE were initially instructed on the matter by the Club’s principal shareholder, a longstanding client of the Cheltenham-based firm.
Club chairman Huw Evans said: "This was a complex matter which needed to be handled sensitively and I am most grateful for the support provided by Antonia and her team."
Antonia Shield is a partner within BPE's 20-strong commercial property team. Contact her on 01242 248 259 or email antonia.shield@bpe.co.uk
Proceeds from the disposal of Stradey Park will be used to fund the new Scarlets stadium and help to secure the Club’s future.
The disposal, to Taylor Wimpey Developments Limited, has generated a huge amount of public interest and a large amount of opposition from local protestors.
The planning application, made by the Scarlets for 450 residential units on the site, resulted in a public inquiry in April last year after the application was called in by the Welsh Assembly. A second inquiry followed in November 2007 after a village green application was made on the site, instigated by the protestor group.
The transaction became increasingly complicated as the twists and turns of the various events took their toll on what otherwise would have been a simple sale contract.
“The project has been subject to a small but dedicated group of protestors who have tried to frustrate the plans of the Scarlets at every turn. This has meant that all negotiations have had to be handled sensitively, with an appreciation that our work was likely to be scrutinised at a later date,” said Commercial Property Partner Antonia Shield, who acted for the Club throughout the sale, ably assisted by Associate Joanne Lacey.
“The course of events has meant that we had to keep adapting and reacting to circumstances and this involved some interesting drafting challenges. Notwithstanding this, it is always worthwhile being involved in a project which is going to help facilitate the regeneration of a wider area, and I look forward to supporting the Scarlets next season in their new stadium,” added Antonia, former South West Commercial Property Adviser of the Year.
The new stadium is being developed in a joint venture by the Scarlets with Carmarthenshire County Council. It is due to be ready during the 2008/2009 rugby season.
BPE were initially instructed on the matter by the Club’s principal shareholder, a longstanding client of the Cheltenham-based firm.
Club chairman Huw Evans said: "This was a complex matter which needed to be handled sensitively and I am most grateful for the support provided by Antonia and her team."
Antonia Shield is a partner within BPE's 20-strong commercial property team. Contact her on 01242 248 259 or email antonia.shield@bpe.co.uk
