Olivia Bateman

I have over 25 years’ experience as a construction lawyer, specialising in UK property development. I can help throughout the lifecycle of a project - from its initial procurement and funding, through to the construction phase, and practical completion. Post PC, I routinely assist with refinancings, agreements for lease, and sales (including corporate sales).

I act for a wide range of clients – mostly developers, but also lenders, contractors and consultants, ranging from large corporate entities to entrepreneurs and private families. My work is typically in the UK property market but I have also undertaken a number of international projects and acted for international clients. I like to feel really invested in my clients’ projects and to build up long-standing relationships. Indeed, I’ve worked with many of my clients for more than 15 years.

I have advised on some fabulous landmark developments including St Pancras Chambers, the Emirates Airline Cable Car and for the last 16 years, the phased redevelopment of Wembley Park.

I advise on mixed use and residential developments (including a significant build to rent element), but I have also undertaken projects involving designer outlet centres, city centre redevelopments, hotels, offices, student accommodation, railways and infrastructure. I once set up some documents to clean the stone pineapples on the façade of a building in central London – so I can turn my hand to most things construction related.

I also have experience in sports related construction projects - helping with football stadium developments and venue use agreements, including for the London Olympics. I have negotiated agreements with the NFL, LOCOG, Wembley Stadium and UEFA. I am a member of the CIC liability panel and the UKAA.

To quote from Legal 500 2023, I’ve been described as “great to work with. Knowledgeable, calm under pressure and a consummate professional”.

I am genuinely fascinated to see what can be achieved in terms of architecture and interior design, and to see how the built environment can be transformed. My husband’s family were also involved in the construction industry, having been the contractors that built projects such as the BBC television centre, and the Liberty department store. It’s a lot of fun to take my daughter somewhere and say ‘We built this’.

• Acting for Quintain in relation to the phased redevelopment of Wembley Park – I have been involved with Wembley Park since 2008 and have watched the development of the 80 hectare site and the place making go hand in hand. Most recently I have become involved in the newest phase of the development to the north east part of the site.
• Advising in relation to the demolition of the Pedway to Wembley Stadium and the associated lift works.
• Working with residential developer with a particular expertise in airspace developments.
• Advising a client on a significant refinancing with a value of over £600 million and undertaking all relevant construction due diligence and documentation.
• Redevelopment of St Pancras Chambers – I was part of a team that acted for the developer over a period of 7 years both in relation to the development of the residential apartments, the hotel, and the concourse retail, and also the development finance. This project saved one of London’s most iconic buildings.