Construction: Signed, sound and delivered

At a glance

Underpinning every successful construction project are well-drafted, pragmatic contracts. Producing a watertight, workable contract isn’t an art learned overnight, so you need a team that understands the pressures on the developer and the practices of the trade. We regularly produce construction documents for London developments from a £1 million refurbishment to a £200 million new build, with clients trusting us to deliver.

"Memery Crystal is a professional and focussed team."

Legal 500, 2024

In detail

Construction contracts and appointments must balance the requirements of the developer and the demands of the contractor and the consultants. Naturally the developer will want the development completed in the shortest possible time and for best value, while each contractor will want to maximise the programme and their returns on each project.

Our skills are in maintaining that balance by creating contracts acceptable to all parties, whilst providing effective protection for our clients. We’ll consider typical risks such as exceeding deadlines and budgets, funding that may suddenly become uncertain, and market changes during construction that affect the development’s viability.

We understand and have in-depth knowledge of the construction business, with experience of Traditional, D&B, EPC  procurement models, including JCT, NEC3, FIDIC and IChemE forms. We also work beyond the remit of commercial developments, for example on renewable energy projects in both the wind and AD sectors.

The most critical periods are at the start and end of the project.  As well as preparing a good foundation with the construction documents at the outset, we also are experienced in contract management during the construction phase and disputes/disputes avoidance on extension of time claims, loss and expense, variations. We’ve built our reputation not just on producing sound, safe contracts, but also on seeing them through to successful delivery.

Recent matters

Matters

Advising Telford Homes on the pre-development agreement and the building contract for a 1000-unit PRS scheme at Battersea with Greystar.

Advising Big Yellow Construction on newly acquired sites across the UK which they refurbished and converted into a self-storage centre.

Advising on the successful redevelopment of the iconic Sea Containers House on the South Bank including advising the borrower on development funding.

Advising a London-based developer on a final account adjudication of a permitted development and redevelopment from office to residential – it also involved contract errors on liquidated damages processes.

Advising a boutique hotels developer on the roll out of six London hotels.

Accolades

  • Legal 500 2024
  • Legal 500 UK 2023 Leading Firm

What we're thinking...

taxonomy="practice" taxonomy_terms="construction" taxonomy_operator="IN"

What to do next

Contact our expert

Jo KellyPartner, Head of Construction

Contact Jo