Construction

At Penningtons Manches Cooper, we are involved with projects from the outset and work with clients to shape their procurement (including public procurement) and contracting strategies. We negotiate and draft all forms of project, development and construction documentation. Our lawyers strive to ensure certainty of cost and delivery, and should it be necessary, assist in pre-empting and resolving disputes.

Distinguished by our specialist expertise, particularly in the accommodation sector, our team excels in advising on large-scale developments, complex regeneration projects, and joint ventures. We have helped shape various pathfinder development structures and currently act for several large development entities. Our work also includes a range of infrastructure projects in the UK and overseas.

We help clients to prepare agreements that best reflect their interests and the appropriate placing of risk. These may be based on standard form contracts (such as the NEC and JCT forms) or on bespoke agreements, tailored to meet a project’s requirements, including collaborative working arrangements and partnerships. They range from project specific contracts to multi-party and multiphase agreements used across most major construction sectors.

Building safety remains a significant part of our practice, with frequent instructions on fire safety, structural defects and Building Regulations compliance. We support clients on building remediation under the Developer’s Remediation Contract and the Building and Cladding Safety schemes.

The decarbonisation of construction is another significant area of focus for members of our team, who work closely with organisations to help them achieve their net zero and sustainability goals. Our lawyers bring strong experience in renewable energy projects, including solar schemes, microgrids and waste to energy initiatives.

We also have extensive experience of assisting with distressed schemes and projects affected by insolvency. Our support includes advising on early practical steps to help get schemes back on track and, where necessary, enforcing contract rights and security to bring projects successfully to completion.

We work hard to help clients avoid formal disputes, assisting them on live projects to resolve issues wherever possible – such as site disruption, prolongation and delay, and claims for additional monies. Our experts shape negotiations to protect our clients’ position and ensure delivery by proactively engaging with project teams. When formal disputes are unavoidable, we represent clients in all forms of dispute resolution, making the process as predictable and manageable as possible while achieving excellent outcomes.