October 07, 2024
Switalskis has appointed solicitors Amber Gray and George Mallinson to its expanding commercial property team, strengthening its presence across Yorkshire, with teams in Leeds, Bradford and Knaresborough.
Commercial Property
Our commercial property team has an impressive track record of advising on developments of all sizes, complexity, and sectors. Our deep knowledge and years of experience in commercial development allow us to offer our clients practical and commercially sound advice.
We work with our clients through the whole development lifecycle. From structuring and funding the deal to ensuring there are no issues with the land, planning and construction to the completion of the project, our clients are our priority. No matter the project, you’ll always receive the best advice to help you meet your goals.
Our clients are varied and include landowners, retail stores, office spaces, warehouses, and leisure facilities. We work to understand each client's development objectives, so our advice is tailored to meet those goals.
Global, national and regional companies trust us to handle their commercial property needs and deliver the desired outcomes. We offer an integrated team that acts as an extension of your own so you are always up to date with projects and know you can rely on us to deliver in your best interests.
The commercial property team at Switalskis Solicitors routinely represents clients across the retail, construction and development sectors, such as Lidl, Nando’s and Metalcraft.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
To speak to one of our commercial property solicitors, call us today on 0800 1380 458 or get in touch through the website.
We have been working closely with Ryan and Claire at Switalskis on a large number of time critical projects. They work closely as a team and are very much our trusted legal advisers. Their experience in acquisition of development sites, sub-lettings to household name operators and forward funding investment sales to investors is first class. We value the consistent and pragmatic approach of the team and their keen eye for detail. It is rare to find lawyers who are always available to jump on the telephone to discuss any issues in a transaction and we appreciate this hands-on approach.
Nathan Varley
Managing Director - Metalcraft Projects UK Limited
I’ve dealt with Switalskis for over 10 years now. They're extremely knowledgeable, and I can always rely on them to let me know exactly what we need to do and when. The eye for detail and proactive approach is invaluable when it comes to opening new restaurants on time, with the minimum of fuss. I can’t recommend highly enough.
Peter Atkinson
Acquisitions Manager - Nando's
It’s unusual for small law firms to bring the level of expertise that Claire Murphy has, and her practice is both heavyweight and fleet of foot which is a perfect fit for us. Claire knows the property sector inside out; her knowledge of property law is second to none and she is a trusted and valued name and we’re really looking forward to working with her on more projects.
Stuart Jardine
Head of Property for the North West - Lidl Great Britain Limited
Advising Metalcraft in the acquisition of land subject to securing planning permission for drive-thru units with EV charging. Using a structured approach including exchanging conditional contracts for site acquisition and securing agreements with drive-thru and EV operators, ensuring tenants are in place before construction begins. Metalcraft is negotiating with a well-known global coffee chain as the primary drive-thru tenant, with a legal template agreed for multiple sites. The first contracts are set for exchange, with further deals following the same structure. Standalone EV charging sites are also being leased in bulk to specialist operators.
Advising on new store acquisitions for Lidl. Agreements for Lease were exchanged several years ago, and planning permission granted.
The supermarket has agreed to waive all conditionality in the Agreement for Lease in exchange for a reduction in the premium price payable to the developer. Given the substantial increase in construction and operational costs since the original agreement, we have also negotiated a variation that provides greater flexibility on when development must commence after lease completion.
The store is part of a wider Masterplan scheme, including the redevelopment of a town library and community centre. The local authority had imposed strict deadlines for construction, including the relocation of an associated car park and public footpath.
Over the past two years, the supermarket has been reassessing all acquisitions. The challenge has been to ensure this project remained viable and that planning or other conditions in the Agreement for Lease were not used as reasons to delay or cancel the acquisition. Completion at a reduced price represents a significant commercial success for all parties involved.
Advising Nando's on the acquisition of a new site, expanding their presence. The development revitalised a long-vacant brownfield site.
We advised on the acquisition of a retail park unit to be constructed to the tenant’s specifications.
As a tenant, the chain requires construction warranties from contractors and subcontractors to ensure direct enforceable rights over the building. We successfully negotiated 12-year warranties with assignment rights for future transfers.
The tenant also required conditions regarding the occupation of anchor tenants like cinemas or gyms before completing the lease, ensuring the site would be commercially viable. Additionally, securing a premises licence before lease completion was essential, enabling control over occupation timing.
Advising Yorkshire Cancer Research in the lease of new retail shops, supporting their expansion.
The unit was part of a larger site, requiring negotiation to ensure favourable terms for the client. We addressed practical issues related to access and egress during trading hours, clarified the services included in the service charge provisions, and ensured the client’s intended use and ancillary activities aligned with the permitted use.
Additionally, the title to the landlord’s property revealed an electricity substation at the rear of the unit, with access rights reserved for the electricity board. We ensured these rights would not interfere with the client’s use of the unit or adversely impact their business operations.
Our team acted for the client in acquiring a 15,891 sq. ft office building, suitable for their contractors, professional team, and associated companies.
The property had an existing occupier without a formal lease. When the seller attempted to remove them, the occupier claimed a protected tenancy under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, raising concerns for both the client and their lender, for whom we also acted. To satisfy the lender, we advised that the occupier’s terms needed formalising before completion. The seller agreed to a new one-year lease with a defined plan showing the occupier’s separate space, ensuring it did not affect the main building’s security or value.
A further complexity involved restrictive covenants prohibiting new buildings on part of the site. The occupier had erected a snack bar, breaching these covenants. We secured indemnity insurance for the known breach, reassuring the lender that it would not affect market value. This enabled our client to proceed with the purchase, expand their business, and utilise the much-needed office space.
We advise on the full range of commercial property related transactions.
With an integrated network of experienced legal advisers, we have the commercial knowledge, legal experience and resources to make your deals happen, whatever and wherever they are.
We offer a solution-focused approach to our clients and by learning what their business objectives and drivers are we offer tailored advice that lasts well beyond the signing on the dotted line.
Our services include:
So, whether you need a commercial property lawyer for a specific project, or want ongoing support and advice, we can help. We're not just solicitors, we're your dedicated commercial property partners.
To speak to one of our commercial property solicitors, call us today on 0800 1380 458 or get in touch through the website.
Switalskis has appointed solicitors Amber Gray and George Mallinson to its expanding commercial property team, strengthening its presence across Yorkshire, with teams in Leeds, Bradford and Knaresborough.
Switalskis has expanded its commercial property team with the addition of associate solicitor Saima Ul-Haq and trainee solicitor Cyman Kaur.
Switalskis has appointed experienced solicitor, Ryan Dhinsa, to bolster the firm’scommercial property department.
Claire Murphy, Head of Commercial Property, outlines the key differences between exclusivity and lock-out agreement.
When it comes to commercial property, we have an incredible team of experts who have experience with everyone from global corporations to local firms.
From navigating planning permissions to handling lease renewals, commercial property can be complex. At Switalskis, we know how important communication is and . We break down intricate issues into practical advice and well-negotiated contracts.
We understand the practical aspects of commercial property development and investment, not just the legal background and formalities. We've got years of experience and a raft of satisfied clients to prove it. When you come to Switalskis, you can rest easy knowing you're in safe, skilled hands.
We’re here to guide you through any commercial property matters you’re experiencing, keeping it simple and caring about what matters to you.
To speak to a solicitor, call us today on 0800 1380 458 or get in touch through the website.