The team at Geldards law has had a hand in supporting plans to create a £3 million heritage vehicle centre in Derby.
The firm, which has offices in Cardiff, Derby, Nottingham and London, has acted as legal advisor to Derby City Council on the plans for the former Light Alloy Factory site in Ormaston Road. It was previously used as a base for Rolls-Royce’s heritage centre.
East Midlands contractor Grace Construction is now renovating the former foundry site, which will be run by Great Northern Classics.
The site includes four factory buildings, which will enable Great Northern Classics to house a fully equipped training school, workshops, a vehicle storage area, exhibition and entertainment space.
The project is expected to create 120 jobs and preserve engineering skills for the classic vehicle industry with a training academy offering apprenticeships.
Geldards provided legal advice to Derby City Council regarding its funding of the project and the complex legal issues involved.
Corporate partner Jenny Chatten and senior associate Sarah Bailey led the advice to the council, supported by associate Sharon Lowe who advised on property matters.
Jenny Chatten said: “Geldards are thrilled to have played an important role in helping this extremely exciting project get off the ground.
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“It’s going to be a great addition to the city of Derby attracting visitors and creating employment and skills training.
“We have a long working relationship with Derby City Council and enjoyed working together to breathe life into this scheme.”
Shaun Matthews, the founder of Great Northern Classics, said: “I am so happy to see this project getting off the ground after so long and we’re hugely indebted to Derby City Council for their tremendous support.
“Now we have the ownership of the site and its rich history we are very excited to begin the job of converting it into Great Northern Classics, a truly unique project and opportunity for the East Midlands.”
The transformation of the Ironworks is one of the latest high-profile projects undertaken by Grace Construction, having previously completed construction of Derby’s Kings Crescent residential development, Nottingham-based Whyburn Business Park and We Are Padel Derby.