Pannone wins hat-trick of contracts

The Manchester-based law firm has been appointed as legal advisers to Preston City Council for the £700m Tithebarn retail scheme.

Stephen Chalcraft, commercial property partner and head of public sector, will lead the Pannone team.

In June, the Court of Administration upheld Communities Secretary Eric Pickles' decision to allow the 1.5m sq ft Tithebarn development to be given planning permission after Blackburn with Darwen Council decided to appeal his decision.

Developers Lend Lease, working with Preston City Council, plans a new bus station, revitalised Preston Markets, a new cinema, cafes, bars as well as new offices and homes. Retail giants John Lewis and Marks & Spencer are lined up as anchor tenants.

Pannone has previously worked on the scheme after being appointed by Lancashire County Council to advise on the relocation of Preston bus station.

Elsewhere, the commercial property team at the law firm was also appointed legal advisers to Halton Council on the regeneration of Runcorn town centre.

Pannone said it was invited to tender because of its position as a partner firm with the North West Legal Consortium.

The proposed masterplan for Runcorn includes a waterside neighbourhood with at least 1,500 new homes, restaurants, cafes, bars and an extra 32,000 sq ft of shops.

The scheme is proposed for derelict land and empty buildings in the area will be demolished to make way for the new development. Savills is joint legal adviser to the council.

The Pannone team is also advising on a partnering arrangement between Warrington Council and its registered social landlord providers for the placement of solar panels on houses in the area.

Chalcraft said: "These are a series of great wins in a highly competitive market and enforces our reputation for advising on high quality and cutting edge property and regeneration developments."

Pannone declined to disclose the value of the contracts.