Wragge & Co has appointed another new partner to its real estate practice. Manches partner and head of projects and housing Giles Clifford joins the Planning and Regeneration team in May.
Giles is the third senior figure to join the team this financial year. His appointment follows that of SJ Berwin planning partner Duncan Field, who joins in April, and planning and regeneration director Richard Beckingsale, who started last August.
Senior partner Quentin Poole said: “Giles is a talented individual. A real estate lawyer who leads on major projects, he brings a track record of advising on complex developments, particularly involving transport, housing and renewables. His considerable knowledge and strong connections will help us win new business, while also boosting our City presence and practice.”
Giles Clifford said: “Wragge & Co is a highly respected, friendly firm with strong public sector credentials and well-established practices in real estate, projects, construction, renewables and rail. It’s a natural fit. The firm’s reputation for real estate and projects and its ambitious growth plans offer exciting opportunities.”
Giles qualified at Freshfields before moving to Manches in 2002. He became a partner in 2003 and took a lead role in the development of its cross-firm sustainability team.
Giles has acted on more than 40 PFI and PPP projects. He advised London Underground and Transport for London on the re-development of New London Bridge House and acts for London Underground Limited on the Thameslink Upgrade scheme. He also advised Swan Housing Association on its housing developments at hospitals in the South East and has advised on renewable energy projects, including anaerobic digestion and wind.
Wragge & Co’s 17-lawyer Planning and Regeneration team advises on planning issues, social housing, public procurement and compulsory purchase schemes. The team handled the planning aspects of Development Securities plc’s ‘Hammersmith Grove’ development, a 1.5-acre site next to Hammersmith station which is being developed into two prime office buildings covering 275,000 sq ft. It is part of the firm’s 180-lawyer Real Estate group, one of the UK’s largest real estate practices.
Providing a sector-focused service, Wragge & Co’s real estate specialists act for investors, developers, major corporates, financial institutions, housing associations and local authorities in the UK and worldwide. Giles Clifford’s appointment takes the total number of real estate partners to 33.
Other real estate highlights from the past 12 months include US private equity firm Blackstone’s £600 million acquisition of the Mint Hotel chain and Queensberry Real Estate LLP’s £110 million retail development agreement with Newport Council.
