Rail sector experts from Burges Salmon have advised Groundwork Wakefield in connection with the completion of the lease to it of Wakefield Kirkgate railway station from Network Rail.
Groundwork Wakefield raised £4.6 million in 2013 for the ‘transformation’ of Wakefield Kirkgate station, which was named one of the "worst in Britain" in 2009 by the then transport secretary Lord Adonis.
Following a huge fund-raising exercise at that time, Groundwork has now restored the Grade II listed station building. The ambitious plans sought to bring the station back into everyday use with space for a café, offices, meeting rooms, ticketing and shops. The station now provides an important gateway to the city of Wakefield and acts as a catalyst for the regeneration of the Kirkgate area of the city, which includes the internationally renowned Hepworth Gallery.
Burges Salmon's specialist Rail Real Estate team, led by partner Philip Beer, with assistance from senior associate Michael Bray, advised on all legal aspects of the lease terms with Network Rail.
Commenting on the successful completion of the lease, Philip Beer said: "Kirkgate station has been in need of attention for many years. We are delighted to have been able to help Groundwork Wakefield restore the station and improve the journey experience for passengers. The regeneration of the station has helped transform the local area – with new facilities created for both the local community and local enterprises. This is another great example of station-led regeneration that we are proud to be involved with."
Harjinder Sandhu, Corporate Services Director at Groundwork Wakefield, said: “Groundwork Wakefield deliver projects to improve people’s prospects, promote greener living and working, and create better places. The regeneration of Kirkgate Station is an important part of our work and is a key element of the renaissance of the area as whole. It was important that the lease completion progressed swiftly in order to keep the project on track. We are very pleased with how well Burges-Salmon worked to achieve this.”