Blacon Parade gets under way with help from DTM

DTM Legal assisted Chester & District Housing Trust in preparing for work to begin on the £19.5m Blacon Parade urban regeneration project.

The area is to be regenerated as a commercial town centre with retail units, an integrated health centre, new housing and sheltered accommodation. The area is home to 16,000 people.

DTM Legal was appointed to acquire land interests and negotiate the relocation of existing tenants, allowing the construction process to commence.

Matthew Robinson, partner and head of property at DTM, said: "The scale and nature of this project required sensitive negotiation with business owners who are directly affected by the regeneration process of the Blacon Parade.

"The property team at DTM legal have been committed to swift negotiation, successfully securing new property and new lease agreements for existing tenants on the site. Following complex and extensive negotiations with many different users, all tenants have been successfully relocated and work is now underway."

DTM Legal also worked with Cheshire West & Chester Council, owner of the retail space in Blacon Parade, and AF Blakemore, the UK's largest local retail store operator, to secure a 4,000 sq ft retail space for a new, larger SPAR convenience store on the site.

Danielle Wrigley, senior development officer for Chester & District Housing Trust, said: "DTM Legal has provided the technical knowledge and legal advice that has enabled us to proceed with the construction of Blacon Parade. We look forward to continued progression with DTM as the site develops to its full and exciting potential."

Brock Carmichael Architects produced the master plan for the scheme in consultation with the community.