Public Attractions

Fladgate has a well-established practice and a long history of advising clients in the public attractions sector. We represented the Great Exhibition of 1851, and in 1862 we were instructed by Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, to help set up the Smithsonian Institution.

Nowadays our work is an extension of our construction, real estate, corporate, intellectual property, employment and litigation teams which continue to collaborate with the best in the public attractions sector on a wide variety of projects and on all aspects of the business of public attractions.

We are experienced in acting for clients working in the themed entertainment sector, for tourist attractions, cultural institutions, theatres, art galleries, museums, zoos and gardens in both the UK and internationally. Our experience and wide client base provides our lawyers with a unique perspective of our clients opportunities and challenges and gives us a valuable insight which we find helpful when advising them.

We advise on all stages of the planning process from new public attractions through to enabling existing facilities to be used in new ways, such as to meet the increasing demand for a broader night time culture and entertainment offering. Our construction and real estate teams advise on the procurement and project delivery phases including procurement strategy, advice on live projects, resolution of legacy issues and health and safety. At a time when the way in which public attractions engage with members of the public has never been more creative, we are experienced in ensuring that intellectual property rights are adequately protected and advise on business protection issues.

During the operational phases, we advise on reputation management, employment and ongoing issues relating to the state and condition of an attraction, landlord and tenant issues and the cost of undertaking building repairs.

Barry Hembling

Barry Hembling

If you have any questions or queries please call Barry on +44 (0)20 3036 7354 or email bhembling@fladgate.com

Digby Hebbard

Digby Hebbard

If you have any questions or queries please call Digby on +44 (0)20 3036 7209 or email dhebbard@fladgate.com

Fladgate LLP’s “cerebral and dedicated” practice… advises on a portfolio of leisure-related construction projects globally.

Legal 500 2016

Industries

Public Attractions team

 

Fladgate continues with strong showing in Chambers UK 2019

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Fladgate LLP achieves across the board rankings in Legal 500 for 2018

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Fladgate continues to be highly rated by Chambers UK 2018

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The seven deadly sins: common mistakes made when constructing and operating fairground and amusement rides

‘Something tells me it’s all happening at the zoo’

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The seven deadly sins: common mistakes made when constructing and operating fairground and amusement rides

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Following a number of recent high profile accidents, the issue of health and safety in the themed entertainment industry continues to be under close scrutiny. Indeed, there is recognition that work remains to be done to satisfy the high health and safety standards that the public clearly expects.  Unfortunately, there are some common, but avoidable, […]

‘Something tells me it’s all happening at the zoo’

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Chester Zoo fell victim to a type of fraud called ‘invoice hijacking’, where fraudsters intercept correspondence between two parties that have an existing contractual relationship and invoice the target for services that have actually been rendered. Chester Zoo had engaged Laing O’Rourke to carry out construction works for a safari experience valued at approximately £17 […]

V&A Museum formally opens its new Exhibition Road Quarter

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On 30 June, the V&A Museum formally opens its new Exhibition Road Quarter.  This c£50m construction project involved creating a stunning new entrance, courtyard and purpose-built gallery for the historic South Kensington site. Fladgate’s construction team, led by Digby Hebbard, acted for the V&A throughout this exciting project.  We initially engaged in connection with procurement and […]

Grip tight and hold on: latest trends in the construction of amusement rides

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Quantitative risk assessment techniques are changing the way in which amusement rides are designed, inspected and operated.  Modern rides are becoming dependent on computer-based technology with control systems allowing rides to perform increasingly complex functions at very high speeds.  Passenger safety can depend on the correct operation of control systems and their failure could compromise […]

Planning new experiences? What you need to know

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How public attractions are used is changing.  There is a growing recognition of the increasing demand for a broader night time culture and entertainment offering, which in turn is leading to cities starting to re-evaluate their night time economies.  Sleepovers already allow guests to experience a night at the museum or the zoo and the […]

Health and safety doesn’t happen by accident

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Everyone loves the excitement of an adrenaline packed day at a theme park, but for some thrill seekers 2016 was a year to forget.  Injuries to passengers after the derailment of a rollercoaster carriage in June 2016 at the UK’s M&D’s Scotland theme park and fatalities on the Thunder River Rapids ride at Australia’s Dreamworld […]

A track record in public attractions

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Fladgate has a well-established practice and a long history of advising on projects in the public attractions and themed entertainment sectors, including tourist attractions, theme parks, cultural institutions, theatres, museums, art galleries, zoos and gardens. We represented the Great Exhibition of 1851, and in 1862 we were instructed by Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, to help set up […]

Victorian working conditions in modern workplaces? Sports Direct – some employment lessons

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In August 2016, Sports Direct admitted breaking the law by failing to pay the National Minimum Wage (NMW) following pressure from the media and a widely publicised and damning report by the Business, Innovations and Skills (BIS) Select Committee last Summer.  The CEO resigned, followed by the CFO, and the company group share price dropped […]

What to look out for in employment law in 2017

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Every year sees new developments in employment law, and 2017 will be no different. Caroline Philipps, an associate in the Fladgate employment team, looks at those areas of employment law that are likely to be of greatest interest this year. Equal pay One of the most anticipated developments in employment law in 2017 is the […]

London’s Design Museum opens the doors to its new home

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Fladgate LLP is delighted that after a four-year transformation, London’s Design Museum has opened the doors to its new home on Kensington High Street.  After an £83m renovation, the now converted Commonwealth Institute will display the museum’s permanent exhibition for free for the first time in its history and is expected to attract 650,000 visitors […]

Fladgate continues to be highly rated by Chambers UK 2017

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Fladgate LLP has continued to be highly rated by Chambers Guide to the UK Legal Profession 2017, with a number of the firm’s partners ranked as leading individuals. Construction: Purchaser Leading individuals: Gillian Birkby, Alan Erwin, Alan Woolston What the team is known for: Well-regarded practice with a purchaser-side focus. Advises on high-value transactional and […]

Brighton’s British Airways i360 takes to the skies

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Fladgate LLP is delighted that Brighton’s British Airways i360, the world’s tallest moving observation tower, has opened for business. The 168m tower conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects, the creators of the London Eye, allows visitors to enjoy breath-taking views of Brighton, the South Downs and the Sussex coastline. Fladgate advised on the construction […]

‘Response times and value-for-money are very good’ at Fladgate LLP, where the team continues to undertake a range of instructions in key sectors such as hotels and leisure, renewable energy, and museums and exhibitions. Digby Hebbard advised the Science Museum Group on the construction of its new interactive and maths galleries.  International construction specialist Barry Hembling is another key contact.

Legal 500 2017

Fladgate LLP’s “cerebral and dedicated” practice includes “incisive adviser” Barry Hembling, who has been busy on behalf of Merlin Entertainments, advising on a portfolio of leisure-related construction projects globally. The team also has expertise in renewable energy and is acting for BTS Biogas on the construction of an anaerobic digestion plant in south Yorkshire.  Alan Woolston heads the practice and handles a mix of contentious and non-contentious work.

Legal 500 2016

Well-regarded practice with a purchaser-side focus.  Advises on high-value transactional and contentious matters and often deals with leisure, infrastructure, energy and property development matters.   “The team provides a quality service and understands the importance of timely advice, pragmatic solutions and cost certainty.”  “With Fladgate we can rest assured that each area of legal and contractual exposure has been methodically reasoned with appropriate advice and implementation.”  Advised Merlin Entertainments on its ongoing expansion work and portfolio of construction projects across the globe, worth hundreds of millions of pounds in total.

Chambers UK 2017

Regularly retained by owners, operators, investment vehicles and developers to act on complex projects, throughout the UK.  Serves clients across the full gamut of the market including those with gaming, cinema, hotel and restaurant assets.  Advised Global Gaming Ventures on the acquisition of two casino properties in England worth a combined £32.6 million.  Acted for Starboard Hotels on its acquisition of a portfolio of Ibis hotels from Accor through a purchase and franchise agreement.

Chambers UK 2017

Mark Harnett of Fladgate LLP assists public and private sector clients across the full range of planning law, including compulsory purchase matters, Section 106 agreements and enforcement cases. Clients find him to be “a great choice of planning lawyer for both the big-picture stuff and the details stuff.”

Chambers UK 2017

Advises a broad client base on domestic and international contracts, such as acting for Media & Sport Management on ‘off-grid’ racing events in Jerusalem and Moscow. Key partners include dual-qualified South African lawyer Grant Gordon, IP and technology specialist Eddie Powell and the multilingual Alex Kaufmann.  Advice is “good, quick and practical.”

Legal 500 2014

Represents a broad array of clients, including significant hotel chains, luxury resorts, leisure facilities and restaurant groups. Offers international expertise and experienced in handling cross-border transactions in Europe.  “Thorough and accessible. They have a good breadth of experienced partners and all the necessary specialists.”

Chambers UK 2015

  • Legoland – advising on the construction of new Legoland theme parks in Japan and Korea and projects at existing parks in Denmark, Germany and the UK.
  • Dreamland Theme Park – acting on the £multi-million acquisition of this theme park and challenge (heard by the Court of Appeal) to a Compulsory Purchase Order in respect of the site which extends to approx. 60,000 sq m.
  • Thorpe Park – acting on the construction of Derren Brown’s Ghost Train, a new immersive psychological rollercoaster and on the fit out of a new themed attraction based on the ITV Series I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.
  • Madame Tussauds – advising on the construction of Madame Tussauds Istanbul, Chongqing, Singapore, Delhi, Dubai, Berlin and London.
  • London Film Museum – providing commercial legal advice to the museum.
  • British Airways i360 – advising on the construction documentation for the 162 metre high observation tower on Brighton’s seafront which is the cornerstone for the regeneration of Brighton’s seafront by the former West Pier.

 

  • SEA LIFE – advising on the construction of SEA LIFE London, Istanbul, Chongqing, Rome, Brighton, Paris, Speyer and Sydney.
  • V&A – advising on the £140m Olympicopolis development at Stratford; the £40m Exhibition Road gallery project; the £30m Medieval and Renaissance gallery; and £15m refurbishment of the European Gallery.
  • London Design Museum – advising on the agreement between Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and Chelsfield for planning permission and listed building consent for refurbishment of the Commonwealth Institute and associated residential development.
  • Science Museum Group – acting on the procurement, delivery and completion of the £5m Mathematics gallery; £3m Media gallery; and £2m interactive gallery.
  • O2 Arena – advising on the contract for the design and construction of the Sky Brand Portal, Staircase and Backstage bar.
  • Camden Market Holding Corp – advising on a £230m refinancing facility secured on Camden landmark, Stables Market, with affiliates of the Japanese investment bank, Nomura International Plc.
  • Outdoor festival venue London 2012 – advising on the suite of contractual arrangements for the development of the outdoor festival venue for the London 2012 Olympic Games and the three year legacy project on land at Royal Victoria Docks.
  • Secret Cinema – advising on real estate and contentious matters, including a dispute with the former provider of a themed restaurant at their Star Wars event.
  • Wembley – resolution of substantial disputes over many years in relation to the high profile performance issues of the contractor, Multiplex.
  • RFU – advising on the design and build contract for the £600k refurbishment and fit-out of its HQ at Twickenham Stadium.
  • Weston Homes – advising on the sponsorship agreement in relation to the Weston Homes Community Stadium, home to Colchester United FC.
  • MCA Pune International Cricket Centre – advising on the professional appointments for a new cricket stadium.
  • Advising on ski related projects including the renewal of the chairlifts at Falls Creek, Australia, and a snowmaking plant for real snow ski slopes.

Integrated

Our clients come to us to solve problems that are often complex and multifaceted. We draw together the multiple strands of a business or personal challenge into a coherent, integrated legal response that combines the knowledge and experience of experts in all the relevant fields.

Partner-led

We operate in small teams in which partners not only take the lead but also do a significant amount of the detailed work. Clients can be assured that the partners they engage and brief will remain closely involved in developing and delivering the advice as part of our close-knit, expert teams.

Experienced

Fladgate has a long heritage of delivering high-quality legal advice. We have been providing practical legal solutions to businesses and private clients for over 250 years. Today we are one of the UK’s top 100 law firms, with over 80 partners and a reputation for providing solutions that work.