Construction

We combine deep sector knowledge with specialist construction expertise, advising on both non‑contentious and contentious matters across the full spectrum of UK commercial real estate. Construction is never in isolation, and as such we work seamlessly with our market‑leading commercial real estate, planning, finance and disputes teams to give you joined‑up, practical advice that reflects the realities of development and investment.

We cover:

Non‑contentious construction

We structure, document and de‑risk projects from concept through to completion, including:

• Building contracts – Drafting, negotiating and completing standard form and bespoke contracts (including JCT and NEC) for new build, refurbishment and fit‑out projects.
• Professional appointments & collateral warranties – Appointments for consultants and contractors, plus warranties, third‑party rights and step‑in arrangements that satisfy funders, purchasers and tenants.
• Security and project documentation for funders – Audits and reports on construction documentation for lenders and investors, ensuring bankability and alignment with funding requirements.
• Development and regeneration projects – Construction aspects of redevelopments and new schemes, including shopping centres, universities and colleges, industrial estates, retail parks and major mixed‑use urban sites.
• Refurbishments and repositioning – Complex refurbishments of multi‑let offices and shopping centres, integrating construction, leasing and asset management considerations.
• Cladding and remediation – we provide advice on cladding and remediation projects and help navigate our clients through the complexities of the Building Safety legislation

Contentious construction

When things don’t go to plan, we help you protect your position and get projects back on track:

• Defects, delay and disruption claims – Advising on liability, causation and quantum, and pursuing or defending claims through negotiation, adjudication, arbitration and litigation.
• Payment and insolvency issues – Navigating payment disputes, termination, insolvency risk and enforcement of contractual and statutory remedies.
• Risk management and early intervention – Strategic advice during live projects to manage emerging issues, preserve rights and avoid escalation where possible.

How we work

Integrated with real estate

Our construction department works closely with Maples Teesdale’s commercial real estate practice. We understand how development, funding, leasing and asset management interact, and we make sure construction advice supports the wider transaction—rather than cutting across it.

Partner‑led, commercially focused

You get direct access to senior lawyers who are immersed in the real estate market. We focus on what matters to you: deliverability, programme, cost certainty, risk allocation and exit value. Our advice is clear, pragmatic and grounded in current market practice.

Sector experience

We advise on construction aspects across the full range of commercial real estate, including:

• Shopping centres and retail parks
• Universities, colleges and educational campuses
• Industrial and logistics estates
• Multi‑let offices and headquarters buildings
• Major mixed‑use urban sites and regeneration schemes
• Cladding and remediation projects

Our experience spans new build, repurposing, refurbishment and phased development, often involving complex stakeholder structures and long‑term investment strategies.

ESG, building safety and modern construction challenges

The construction landscape is evolving rapidly—driven by ESG requirements, building safety reforms, modern methods of construction and increasing technological complexity.

We help clients navigate:

• Building safety and compliance – Interpreting and applying building safety legislation and guidance in a commercial real estate context.
• Sustainability and net‑zero objectives – Integrating ESG requirements into construction contracts, professional appointments and project structures.
• Innovation and risk allocation – Addressing the contractual implications of new materials, MMC, digital design tools and AI‑enabled processes.

Our team

Our construction practice is led by experienced partners and associates, supported by a dedicated team of specialists who work closely with colleagues across real estate, planning, finance and disputes. You benefit from:

• Deep sector insight from a firm whose sole focus is commercial real estate.
• Consistent, responsive support from lawyers who know your assets and your risk profile.
• Joined‑up advice that reflects the full picture, not isolated legal silos.

Get in touch

Whether you are planning a new development, refinancing an existing asset, embarking on a major refurbishment or facing a construction dispute, we can help you structure, deliver and protect your project.