Browne Jacobson advises city council on shopping centre acquisition

Law firm Browne Jacobson has advised Norwich City Council on its acquisition of Anglia Square Shopping Centre, in Norwich, from Columbia Threadneedle Investments.

The site comprises several shops, car parks and dilapidated buildings, one of which previously housed a cinema that premiered the Alan Partridge 2013 film Alpha Papa.

The city council plans to demolish and redevelop the site. Its regeneration proposals include 1,100 new homes alongside a variety of retail, office and leisure spaces.

The placemaking exercise also features landscaped gardens, a neighbourhood centre, public realm and cycling links.

Browne Jacobson advised on a full range of property matters, as well as tax, litigation and planning.

Following the transaction, the council will continue to instruct Browne Jacobson for the ongoing retail management.

Jonathan Borer, Partner in the firm's real estate team, worked on the project alongside Sophie Meehan-Green, Senior Associate, and Louise Hunt, Associate.

Borer said: “We’re proud to have played a role in this flagship regeneration project for Norwich, which has enormous potential to breathe new life into a neglected part of the city.

“Delivering new housing is one of society’s biggest issues and the government’s preferred route will always be to redevelop brownfield sites such as this. However, such schemes also involve lots of complex issues that require expertise on a broad range of legal matters.

“After completing this transaction, we’re excited to continue our involvement in the transformation of Anglia Square into a thriving, modern environment for living, working and leisure.”

Cllr Mike Stonard, Leader of Norwich City Council, said: “The council has grasped this golden opportunity on behalf of the people of Norwich to bring a bright new future to Anglia Square and ensure it’s developed as quickly as possible to benefit the people of Norwich.

“We are now in the driving seat to create a new Anglia Square with affordable homes, diverse retail and leisure outlets, a new neighbourhood centre, and well-paid jobs for local people.”