Savage Silk partner David Williams has completed a positive summer of commercial property transactions supporting a cross section of commercial and community projects.
Most notably he acted on behalf of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), which has ensured the reopening of Birtley Swimming Centre. It was closed by Gateshead Council in July 2023 due to funding shortages.
However, after it shut, volunteers set up the Birtley Community Aquatic Centre (BCAC) with the aim of reopening the centre as a not-for-profit venture.
Working closely with BCAC, David reviewed the operating lease drafted by Gateshead Council, liaising with the council’s legal department to ensure required changes were agreed, enabling the pool to be in a position to reopen over a year since its closure.
Matthew Grant, one of the trustees of BCAS, said: “David was very proactive, supportive and insightful throughout the process, particularly in the week leading up to the asset transfer, as we received the draft version of the detailed lease document only a week before the transfer took place.
“David identified a number of important changes to the lease that were needed and liaised effectively with the Council’s legal department to get the required changes agreed. He also helped us with a high-level review of the Partnership Agreement during the same week.”
Also, during the summer, David supported his client, a reputable restaurant originating from the region, to secure a lease with the operators of the Metro Centre in Gateshead to open a new restaurant.
David advised on the 10-year lease, which had a tight timescale to complete, for the unit that is located in the Upper Yellow Mall. This will be the next restaurant of the successful national business with plans to open in the coming months.
Outside of the North East, one of the other transactions David advised upon recently a Grant of Option for land in North Yorkshire. Having agreed Heads of Terms at the end of 2023, the option was entered into this summer.
The land was part of a larger site with multiple owners, with David advising on negotiations to secure that his client would share in the success of the site should the proposed development be granted planning permission and proceed in the future.
David Williams said: “The past few months have demonstrated the broad range of commercial property transactions we advise upon at Savage Silk and the often challenging and complex legal issues we help our clients navigate.
“I am particularly proud to have advised the trustees of BASC to enable the pool to reopen. It’s a fantastic community resource and the trustees have worked tirelessly to raise the money the facility needed. Working closely with the trustees I saw the passion and determination they had for the swimming pool, and I was glad I could apply my experience with leases, as well as their Partnership Agreement to help them reach their goal with the Local Authority.”
“Across the North East and beyond we are highly active in the commercial property market, supporting landowners, developers, landlords and tenants achieve the optimum outcome from their transactions. The market has been relatively buoyant recently and we are well-placed and agile, providing practical and professional advice to our clients.”