Browne Jacobson advise Platform Housing on landmark deal, creating over 300 affordable and sustainable homes

Browne Jacobson’s real estate and construction lawyers have advised longstanding client Platform Housing Group (Platform) on a significant deal which will bring over 300 affordable homes to a flagship development in Nottingham.

The development which supports Platform’s ongoing commitments to sustainability, will see contractor Keepmoat Homes build high-energy, efficient homes that have innovative solar electricity tech panels and air-source heat pumps installed. Work is expected to begin on the project in early 2024.

The site is located at the legacy Boots Enterprise zone in Beeston and is part of a large-scale regeneration project of the historic land where the pharmaceutical company had its original operational headquarters.

The Browne Jacobson advisory team comprised real estate partner Gabor Taller, who is client relationship partner to Platform, associate Grace Costello, partner Kassra Powles, who advised on the property side of the deal and senior associate Lewis Peck advising on the construction elements.

Gabor said: “Having supported Platform’s growth and ambitious development plans for the last 16 years, we are proud to have worked on this landmark deal for them and for the wider community.

“Like Platform, Browne Jacobson is on a mission to drive positive change and committed to helping to tackle society’s biggest challenges in a meaningful way, so it is genuinely rewarding to be involved in this strategically important social-value led project. This place-making development will deliver sustainable, quality, affordable homes with a unique design to serve the community of the future and leave a suitable legacy for the site’s historical past.”

Partner Michael Sadler who heads up the UK & Ireland law firm’s real estate and construction sector added: “It is fantastic that the firm has been able to support Platform on this important regional project that supports the Government’s affordable homes strategy. This transaction showcases the trusted and specialist cross sector expertise of our private and public sector focused real estate lawyers that we believe adds real value to the client service we provide.”

Elizabeth Froude, Group Chief Executive of PHG commented: “Platform are delighted to have secured this site and to be working with Keepmoat on the project, which will represent our largest affordable housing development to date.

“It’s vital that we can keep building despite the many challenges facing the sector and this means we can continue our ambitious programme. I’d like to thank everyone involved from lawyers Browne Jacobson to the local authority and other partners for working with us on getting this momentous project underway.”

Browne Jacobson’s 130 strong real estate team has been active advisers to the social housing sector for over 30 years, with clients including housing associations and registered providers, developers, investors, and government agencies including Homes England. The team also act for one in five of the Government’s strategic partners tasked with delivering its affordable housing programme 2021-26.

Platform Housing is one of largest housing associations in the Midlands. The organisation owns and manages a portfolio of over 48,000 homes that includes social and affordable rent and shared ownership house and provides affordable, quality homes for its diverse customer base who are at differing stages of their life, including first-time buyers and those who want enhanced supported living.