Work has begun to transform a former steelworks site in Newport into a vibrant new place for people to live.

It’s one of Wales’ largest regeneration schemes and law firm Hugh James has been acting as legal adviser on various aspects of the project.

The firm has been supporting Whiteheads Development Company Ltd, which is part of the Tirion Group – a charitable not-for-profit organisation which provides affordable housing across Wales. Lawyers from the firm’s commercial property team, led by senior associate Christy Welsh and associate Aimee Srdic, along with the construction team, led by partner Alun Tobias, advised on the land acquisition from Welsh Government, the sale of part of the site to Lovell Partnerships, an innovative funding model, and the development agreement with Lovell.

The brownfield site will be turned into an £85m mixed tenure development, called Royal Victoria Court, and is located off Mendalgief Road, in the Pillgwenlly area of Newport.

It will comprise 528 properties - a mix of open market and affordable homes. The affordable properties will include homes for social rent, affordable rent, and shared ownership. The site will also include a new neighbourhood centre and a primary school being constructed by Newport City Council.

The development will be managed in partnership by housing developer Lovell and Tirion, with support from Newport City Council and the Welsh Government. Completion is expected in March 2025, and the first open market homes will be available for sale in December 2021.