Biography
Laura is a Partner in the Construction & Infrastructure Team, specialising in non-contentious construction work.
Laura acts for a range of clients including developers, local authorities, contractors, sub-contractors and funders. She has extensive experience in advising on complex projects across a variety of sectors, covering commercial, residential, retail and leisure, education and local government.
Laura's procurement experience covers standard forms of construction contract (including JCT, NEC, MF/1 and FIDIC), together with bespoke forms of contract, professional consultant appointments and all manner of ancillary construction legal documentation. She also works regularly with Ashfords’ Real Estate team in drafting, negotiating and advising on the construction aspects of agreements for lease, sale contracts and development agreements.
Relevant experience
- International retailer: Acting for the client in connection with a range of non-contentious construction matters, to facilitate continued expansion of the business and associated infrastructure. Work to date has included drafting, negotiating and advising on the construction documentation (including JCT, MF/1, FIDIC and bespoke contracts) for: (i) two new processing and distribution centres; (ii) the client's new office HQ; and (iii) store fit-out and other business infrastructure projects across Europe.
- DP World: Advising on the construction aspects of various new-build lettings at DP World London Gateway in Essex, one of the largest deep sea container ports and associated logistics parks in Europe.
- PLC funder: Leading on the construction aspects of a complex PFI variation, involving extension and reconfiguration works to an NHS hospital to provide for additional operating theatres.
- London Borough Council: Drafting and negotiating the JCT Standard Building Contract with Approximate Quantities for a £40m refurbishment to four residential tower blocks.
- Bourne Leisure Group: Advising on various construction contracts and professional appointments relating to the client’s portfolio of Haven, Butlins and Warner Leisure holiday parks and hotels.
- Exeter City Council: Drafting, negotiating and advising on the JCT Design & Build Contract and ancillary construction documentation for a new bus station and leisure centre complex. The project has created the UK's first Passivhaus leisure centre and one of the world’s most energy efficient swimming facilities.
