Ashurst, Nabarros, Norton Rose, SJ Berwin rush through Bath deal

Ashurst, Nabarros, Norton Rose, SJ Berwin rush through Bath deal" />Four City real estate practices have played key roles in securing the go-ahead for a £350m redevelopment of Bath's Southgate area, with complex negotiations completed in less than a month.

Ashurst's, Nabarro Nathanson's, Norton Rose's and SJ Berwin's real estate practices were all involved in the negotiations on the 470,000sq ft scheme, which will see retail and food properties and leisure and residential accommodation developed as well as new transport links.

SJ Berwin advised Morley Fund Management, which entered into a joint venture and development agreement with Multi Development UK, advised by Norton Rose. Real estate partners William Boss and Tom O'Grady led the SJ Berwin team, with planning, tax and construction partners also involved. Real estate partner Robin Mitchell led the Norton Rose team advising Multi Development UK.

The joint venture formed Southgate Limited Partnership, which took governance and structural advice from Nabarros.

Ashurst real estate partner Gary Watson advised Bath and North East Somerset Council, which has planning control over the development.

In a second deal for the development, SJ Berwin advised the joint venture vehicle Southgate on a pre-let agreement with Debenhams to be the anchor store tenant.

SJ Berwin's Boss and O'Grady advised Southgate, while Leeds-based Walker Morris commercial property partner Nick Cannon advised Debenhams.