Wragge & Co boosts regeneration credentials with new director hire

Wragge & Co has expanded its Regeneration practice with the appointment of director Richard Beckingsale. A lawyer and former consultant to the public and private sectors, Richard has worked on some of the largest and most challenging regeneration projects in the UK.

Head of regeneration Stephen Sellers said: "A first-class lawyer, Richard has led major regeneration projects from inception to delivery. Experience of working for local authorities, housing associations and private sector developers means he has an acute understanding of the challenges they face and their commercial priorities. With an impressive track record and sector contacts, he is the ideal candidate to help drive the growth of our practice."

Training and qualifying at Browne Jacobson, Richard became associate at Taylor Wessing. He joins Wragge & Co having previously set up his own consultancy, working with law firms, surveyors and accountants to advise on a number of high-profile regeneration projects. Highlights include major housing and mixed-use regeneration schemes in Barnet, Bristol, Ealing, Kensington & Chelsea, Newham, Reading, Southwark and Westminster.

Richard Beckingsale added: "Wragge & Co's regeneration specialists have the experience to help public and private sector clients respond to the Government's regeneration agenda. This includes the creation of enterprise zones, opportunities arising from Housing Revenue Account reform and the continued need to develop sustainable communities. It's an exciting time to join and I look forward to playing a key part in raising our profile in these areas."

Wragge & Co's four-partner Planning and Regeneration team advises on all property and planning issues, social housing, PFI, public procurement and compulsory purchase orders associated with regeneration schemes.

The 15-lawyer team works closely with local authorities and other bodies including London Boroughs of Croydon, Southwark and Tower Hamlets, Cherwell District Council, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. Its client list also includes a number of housing associations including Sanctuary Housing, Orbit Group, Circle and the Bournville Village Trust.