> Experience > Our practices > Real estate > Construction

Construction

Building things should be inspiring. Whatever your project, our construction and real estate teams offer proactive, commercial, and pragmatic advice that will help you to realize your ambitions despite an undeniably challenging time for the industry.

Get in touch

The volume of construction output worldwide is forecasted to grow 85% by 2030. Those within the construction industry will need to take bold decisions to invest in relationships, technology and talent to ensure full advantage is taken of the opportunities available.

Playing a part in evolving a city’s landscape, connecting people with infrastructure or redeveloping an aging building can bring great satisfaction and reputation to an individual or organisation. We ensure you’re provided with proactive, commercial and pragmatic advice in order to reach successful project outcomes.

Our real estate team advises on commercial, residential and non-profit deals on landmark properties and represents some of the most prominent individuals and institutions in the world. Watch our video to find out more.

Negotiating for you

Our clients range from successful individuals, investors and trustees to developers, major retailers and charities.

Whether a project is commercial, residential or not for profit, the drafting and negotiation of contracts to meet your specific needs is vital to ensure successful delivery. Our focus is on identifying your priorities and negotiating the best outcome for you.

Guiding you from dispute to resolution

Disputes can often delay a construction project and prevent you from achieving your aims.

Whether you are bringing or defending claims, there are many ways for a dispute to be resolved. We understand our client’s objectives in order to devise a strategy that achieves these aims. Through adjudication, arbitration, court proceedings, mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution, we will guide you every step of the way.

Clients

Withers has been advising us on a major new project to develop a large clinical research facility on our site. This is just the latest project they have assisted on, and we have benefitted from the firm's broad base of knowledge in charity law, corporate law and its noted expertise in development and construction projects. We appreciate the firm's support for our essential work.

The Royal Free Hampstead Charities

Withers has provided effective advice for the procurement of construction and consultants contracts on our hotel in the City of London, The Ned. The team are professional, knowledgeable and quick to identify problems and suggest solutions. We have enjoyed working with them on this large scale project.

Stuart Adolph - Sydell Group

The assistance of the team has been very valuable in helping us to maintain our strong global reputation for supplying high quality heavy machinery parts.

Ng Yok Soem - Kian Ann Engineering Pte Ltd

The firm has been a companion of reliable assurance and counsel for the journey!

Woon Mun Ying - Evangel Family Church

The team is an indispensable advisor to us, providing us with a full legal assessment of new project opportunities, and spotting issues before they arise. They are attentive, give swift and effective advice, and prioritise our needs.

Cynthia Loh - DB&B Pte Ltd

Track record

Wealth planning and intergerational ownership transfer

Assisted the family of one of the founders of an important Italian group which operates in the field of complex infrastructure works, in planning the transfer of the Group – which is still exclusively in their hands – to their children, for family business whose revenues are worth over €1 billion. The project also includes the assistance with the relocation of some family members to Switzerland.

Breach of settlement agreement and failure to pay outstanding invoices

Assisted a longstanding client of the firm active in the field of infrastructure, technological systems and services in three proceedings brought against a company within the construction/infrastructure industry, for the breach of a settlement agreement and failure to pay a number of outstanding invoices.

HK$400 million disposal of luxury property in Hong Kong

We acted for a real estate developer on the disposal of its luxury residential property project in Kowloon Tong for a consideration of more than HK$400 million.

HK$668 million disposal and reassignment of prestigious real estate on Hong Kong Island

We represented a real estate company specializing in premium properties in Hong Kong and Shanghai. We acted in relation to the disposal of the entire issued share capital and assignment of the shareholder’s loan of Bentley Investments Limited, holding an extensive building in Hong Kong Island (known as No. 3 South Bay Close), to Baldric Investments Limited (a subsidiary of National Electronics Holdings Limited). This matter is regarded as a major transaction under the Listing Rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the consideration is around HK$668 million.

Commercial development activities of a Family Office in London

We supported the commercial development activities of a Family Office active in London and the regions, and advised on procurement issues, funding requirements, institutionally acceptable delivery documentation and the construction aspects of property acquisitions and disposals.

Extensive refurbishment of a listed property in exclusive London location

We advised a high net worth family on the extensive refurbishment of a listed property in an exclusive London location. The scheme needed a change of direction and management to best achieve the family’s aspirations for the property. Working closely with the professional team, a project support service is being provided in addition to contract drafting and negotiation.

Marriott International management and related agreement negotiations for the Ritz Carlton in Perth

We advised Marriott International on its negotiations with Far East Consortium in relation to its management and related agreements for the new-build 204 room Ritz Carlton in Perth. This was the first Ritz Carlton hotel announced in Australia after a 15 year absence for the brand.

New York construction/permanent financing

Structured and implemented investment and operating vehicles, as well as arranged for construction/permanent financing, for international boutique hotel, restaurant private club, and spa in New York City.

Disposal of entire issued share capital and assignment of shareholder’s loan to Baldric Investments Limited

We represented a real estate company specializing in residential, hotel/serviced apartments, retail, industrial, and office premium properties in Hong Kong and Shanghai, in relation to the disposal of the entire issued share capital and assignment of shareholder’s loan of Bentley Investments Limited holding a whole block of prestigious building in the southern part of Hong Kong Island known as No. 3 South Bay Close to Baldric Investments Limited, a subsidiary of National Electronics Holdings Limited. This matter is regarded as a major transaction under the Listing Rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the consideration is around HK$668 million.

International school in Singapore

We acted for a bank in the financing to an international school in Singapore for the construction of an additional building to its existing campus.

SGD$87.56 million state land acquisition

We acted for an international school in the financing of SG$87.56 million from DBS to acquire state land, and construct and develop a new school building in Singapore.

€123.5 million loan to finance a hydroelectric power plant

We represented a multilateral agency on a €123.5 million loan to Hrvatska Elektroprivreda DD to finance the construction of a 68MW Ombla hydroelectric power plant at the Rijeka Dubrovacka Bay near Dubrovnik.

Construction and funding arrangements for rural anaerobic digestion facilities

We advised two developers in connection with their construction and funding arrangements for rural anaerobic digestion facilities. Both contracts required the preparation and negotiation of bespoke EPC contract terms, direct agreements and other supporting documents.

Great Ormond Street Hospital re-development

The construction team have been heavily involved in all phases of the development finance and re-development of Great Ormond Street Hospital. The redevelopment will exceed £300 million

Negligence claim for misadvised property deal

When a property developer discovered that it did not have full rights of access to a development site it was acquiring, it turned to us for assistance, and we have represented it in a negligence claim against its former solicitor.

Soho House and Sydell Group

The Soho House & Co founder Nick Jones has described The Ned in the City of London, a joint venture with Sydell Group, as his 'blockbuster'. We are advising on the redevelopment and fit-out of a landmark listed building which is to include 252 bedrooms; 9 restaurants; bars everywhere from the underground vaults to the rooftop; a health spa and gym; and a private members’ club.

Our team

Polly Chu

Partner | Hong Kong

Polly Chu

Partner | Hong Kong

Corporate

Email Polly

+852 3711 1633

Amarjit Kaur

Partner, Withers KhattarWong* | Singapore

Amarjit Kaur

Partner, Withers KhattarWong* | Singapore

Litigation and arbitration

Email Amarjit

+65 6238 3340

Andrew Chesser

Partner | London

Andrew Chesser

Partner | London

Real estate

Email Andrew

+44 20 7597 6674

Cristina Pagni

Partner | Milan

Cristina Pagni

Partner | Milan

Litigation and Arbitration

Email Cristina

+39 02 8821 4242

Peter Wood

Partner | London

Peter Wood

Partner | London

Litigation and arbitration

Email Peter

+44 20 7597 6106

Pauline Page

Partner | London

Pauline Page

Partner | London

Real estate

Email Pauline

+44 20 7597 6550

Spring Tan

Partner, Withers KhattarWong* | Singapore

Spring Tan

Partner, Withers KhattarWong* | Singapore

Litigation and arbitration

Email Spring

+65 6238 3200

Philip R. DiGennaro Jr.

Consultant | Greenwich

Philip R. DiGennaro Jr.

Consultant | Greenwich

Corporate

Email Philip

+1 203 302 4100

Insight

12 May 2021 | article

UK construction materials shortage

11 May 2021 | article

Hotel development in the UK and coronavirus

22 March 2021 | article

Encouraging consultations launched in respect of safety of UK higher risk residential buildings

30 October 2020 | article

UK building safety – post Grenfell

26 October 2020 | article

California’s Proposition 15 to impact owners of non-exempt commercial and industrial real estate

29 May 2020 | article

Coronavirus – construction has never been 'off the table' – Part 1

Join the club

We have lots more news and information that you'll find informative and useful. Let us know what you're interested in and we'll keep you up to date on the issues that matter to you.

Family businesses

From small companies to global brands, we understand the dynamics of family businesses and what makes them special. We offer a rounded view on everything from tax to succession planning. Find Out More

Professional advisors explaining something on laptop

Private companies

As a private company, you need reliable, efficient service. As the only global law firm focused on private capital, we are here to help you protect your interests at every stage of the lifecycle. Find Out More

Public companies

Publicly traded companies face many challenges. As a full-service, truly international law firm we offer support with day-to-day operations as well as advice on exceptional situations. Find Out More

How else we can help?

We offer a full range of services to individuals and businesses. Find out how we can help you solve challenges or maximize opportunities.

Find out more

Get in touch

Our website will give you a flavour of the advice we provide - if you would like to talk to us for more information, please contact our client services team who will be happy to assist.

Get in touch

Banking and finance

Commercial litigation

Corporate

Divorce and family

Employment

Immigration

International arbitration

Investment funds

Intellectual property (IP)

Private client

Public international law

Real estate

Tax

Trust, estate and inheritance disputes

White collar defense and investigations

Art

Media and reputation

Philanthropy

Technology and life sciences (Withers tech)

Charities and not for profit

Construction

Negotiating for you

Guiding you from dispute to resolution

Clients

Track record

Wealth planning and intergerational ownership transfer

Breach of settlement agreement and failure to pay outstanding invoices

HK$400 million disposal of luxury property in Hong Kong

HK$668 million disposal and reassignment of prestigious real estate on Hong Kong Island

Commercial development activities of a Family Office in London

Extensive refurbishment of a listed property in exclusive London location

Marriott International management and related agreement negotiations for the Ritz Carlton in Perth

New York construction/permanent financing

Disposal of entire issued share capital and assignment of shareholder’s loan to Baldric Investments Limited

International school in Singapore

SGD$87.56 million state land acquisition

€123.5 million loan to finance a hydroelectric power plant

Construction and funding arrangements for rural anaerobic digestion facilities

Great Ormond Street Hospital re-development

Negligence claim for misadvised property deal

Soho House and Sydell Group

Our team

Polly Chu

Amarjit Kaur

Andrew Chesser

Cristina Pagni

Peter Wood

Pauline Page

Spring Tan

Philip R. DiGennaro Jr.

Insight

UK construction materials shortage

Hotel development in the UK and coronavirus

Encouraging consultations launched in respect of safety of UK higher risk residential buildings

UK building safety – post Grenfell

California’s Proposition 15 to impact owners of non-exempt commercial and industrial real estate

Coronavirus – construction has never been 'off the table' – Part 1

Join the club

Typical clients and industries include

Family businesses

Private companies

Public companies

How else we can help?

Get in touch