Leading South West law firm Ashfords advises Balfour Beatty on £48 million North West Fire and Rescue Services PFI project

Thursday 10th March 2011

Ashfords' Projects/PFI Team has advised Balfour Beatty Capital on its new £48 million North West Fire and Rescue Services PFI project. This project is the largest fire and rescue services PFI to date.

The 25 year concession with Cumbria County Council, Lancashire Combined Fire Authority and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority will see the Balfour Beatty Capital led consortium design, build, finance and operate 16 fire stations.

Projects/PFI Partner Mark Jury led a cross-firm advisory team with support from Partners Clare Brewer (Banking and Finance), Andrew Macmillan-Scott (Property), Charles Pallot (Employment and Pensions), Mark Northey (Projects/PFI), Associate Ben Hogan and solicitors Jonathan Croley, Charlotte Hill and Brian Farrell.  

Mark Jury said: "We are delighted to have acted for Balfour Beatty Capital on what is the largest fire and rescue PFI to have reached financial close. It is another example of Ashfords' ability to act for major corporates on complex PFI/PPP transactions."

Seven new fire stations will be built in Merseyside, five in Cumbria, and four in Lancashire.  As well as modernised operational facilities, the stations will provide resources for community use, such as meeting rooms, multi-function lecture rooms and gyms. The upgrade of the stations will help meet the changing needs and support the modern practices of the fire and rescue service, and provide a better environment for working, learning and training.

The Authorities were advised by Dickinson Dees with Tods Murray providing legal advice to the funders, Dexia Crédit Local and Nord LB.

Ashfords' PFI team advises local authorities, contractors, sponsors and funders on PFI/PPP and outsourcing projects in a range of sectors including blue light, waste, health, regeneration and outsourcing.  The team is supported by experts in property, employment and pensions, planning, construction, banking and IT meaning that Ashfords is well placed to handle the most complex of major projects.