Capsticks helped facilitate a joint venture between Countryside Partnerships and Torus Developments, projected to contribute over £150m to the local economy as well as improvements to infrastructure.

The 170-acre Peel Hall site will bring forth 1,200 homes, 595 of which will be affordable (acquired by Torus’ RP organisation) and is the biggest site in the North West, acquired from Satnam Investments for a total of £112m (split across the various parcels of the site and acquiring entities).

Torus is the North West’s largest affordable housing provider and one of its biggest and fastest-growing developers. This is the largest site Torus has undertaken, to date, and will contribute significantly towards Torus’ plans to create 5,600 homes by 2026, a development programme worth £1bn.

Jen Hankinson, Partner in Capsticks Housing and Regeneration team in the North West, led the project representing Torus’ interest in the acquisition.

Jen said:

We are very proud to have been part of such a momentous project with Torus. In helping facilitate the building of 1,200 homes, Torus have not only contributed significantly to the economy of Warrington but also will provide almost 600 much needed affordable homes for the community which will make a significant difference to the area.
“Chris Bowen, Claire Smith, Aimee Roberts, Peter Fieldsend, Allen Barber, and Catherine Fearon were essential to finalising this deal. Without theirs, and Steve Coffey’s (Chief Executive of Torus), determination together with the support of Torus’ board members and Stephen Blake Consultancy, we wouldn’t be bringing these affordable homes to a community that needs them.

Chris Bowen, Managing Director at Torus Developments, said:

This is a much-needed project which will provide nearly 600 new affordable homes in North Warrington and add to affordable supply in an area of high demand, strengthening the local community. We are really proud to be part of this landmark project in the North West and thank Capsticks for their support.

Jen Hankinson led the project and the development aspect of the transaction and the corporate elements were led by Stephen Dove, Partner in the Corporate and Commercial division, both supported further by Chimi Shakohoxha, Head of Housing & Regeneration, Emily Groom, Principal Associate, Sabina Patel, Senior Associate, Fran James, Senior Associate, and the wider Housing & Regeneration team at Capsticks.

Capsticks aims to be the firm of choice for organisations who work to make a difference. Our purpose is to be the legal advisers that clients want by their side, providing innovative and practical solutions tailored to our sectors’ unique challenges. Our lawyers work together as one team with the same values: putting people first, doing the right thing and always forward thinking.