Matthew Williams

Clients seek my input at all stages of an asset’s life cycle; from the acquisition and financing to the redevelopment and disposal; helping them unlock and maximise value from their real estate.

• Acting for Yoo Capital on its site acquisition and assembly of an area wet of Kentish Town set to become a ‘mini Hollywood’. The £1bn project is set to become a major film quarter in Camden, a large-scale mixed-use scheme that will include a hub for live broadcasting, studio filming, a creative office space. We continue to advise on ongoing strategic and development advice in relation to all aspects of bringing the project forward.
• Advising Tene Living/ClayLife, the BTR developer, on acquisitions and developments in Salford Quays, Manchester, Reading, and proposed developments in Canary Wharf and Leeds. We navigated the site’s complex leasehold structure, resolved development constraints, and supported acquisition and financing. We advised on planning and negotiated key agreements, including power access, bike storage, and EV charging, with adjoining owners to establish the lease structure, and assisted with occupational agreements and commercial terms with service providers.
• Providing development advice in relation to and then acting on the sale of two brownfield sites on the banks of the River Thames with potential for development as a riverside-led residential scheme forming part of the Charlton Riverside masterplan. The total consideration was c. £48m.
• Acting for Downing Corporate Finance managed funds on the sale of a hotel development in central Birmingham. The 186 bedroom Royal Angus Hotel was part way through a redevelopment at the point of sale and formed part of a larger existing building.
• Leading the team advising on the development and forward letting of a hospital facility in central London. This was a complex transaction entailing negotiation with the NHS during the height of the COVID pandemic. Add into the mix the complexity of ensuring the strength of the NHS covenant will be attractive to institutional investors on completion with a 35 year lease this is worth tens of millions in rent.