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Lesley specialises in commercial property development work.

Since qualifying as a solicitor in 1992, Lesley has worked in the Commercial Property Team at Ward Hadaway dealing with all aspects of commercial property work, but in particular development work (residential, commercial and mixed use schemes) acting for either landowners or developers.

Lesley has over 30 years’ experience in development work and specialises in commercial and residential development including joint venture and regeneration projects and has co-ordinated several complex site assembly transactions.

She also acts in complex site disposals for clients, whether by option or outright sale or lease, many involving complex overage arrangements.

Lesley is also a Notary Public, enabling her to offer a range of services to clients concerned with international matters.

Experience

Lesley’s experience in commercial development projects has included supermarkets, retail parks, hotels, car showrooms, offices, business parks and retail warehousing.

Many such schemes now invariably involve significant mixed-use elements, complex site assembly and disposal issues.

Lesley has an 25-year track record in leading the Ward Hadaway multi-disciplinary team acting for a major UK supermarket chain on an exclusive basis in relation to many supermarket-led development schemes and retail parks throughout the whole of the northern area (from Scotland to Newark) as part of their ambitious expansion plans.

Lesley’s work in relation to the mixed-use development of the Haymarket Metro Station in Newcastle city centre is a further example of her market-leading commercial development experience.

Expertise: Sectors

Built Environment

Expertise: Services

Built Environment

Businesses

What people say

  • To me, Ward Hadaway is a modern, open and engaging business. They have very broad range of legal experience with considerable depth in those areas I’ve engaged with previously. My focus has always been housebuilding and their expertise in this area is second to none, in my opinion. I’ve certainly not come across another business that I’ve been tempted to use since working with Ward Hadaway.’

    Legal 500, client quote
  • Lesley Fairclough is held in high esteem by sources for her strength and expertise in residential and commercial development.

    Chambers & Partners
  • Sources praise Lesley Fairclough for her 'excellent understanding of the client's requirements' and 'very thorough, very practical' manner. She leads the development practice and is esteemed for her drive and ability to move deals forward.

    Chambers & Partners
  • Clients highlight Lesley Fairclough's 'excellent understanding' and say she provides 'good commercial advice'. She regularly advises on commercial and residential development matters, including complex site disposals, and represents high-profile clients such as house builders and national retailers.

    Chambers & Partners
  • The 'very thorough and practical' Lesley Fairclough is respected by peers and clients alike. She has a wealth of experience in property development work, across both the residential and commercial sectors.

    Chambers & Partners
  • Lesley understands our commercial goals and through her innovation has helped drive efficiencies into our core activities. As well as being an excellent lawyer, she is also someone who is greatly respected in the housebuilding sector.

    Mike Roberts, Managing Director, Barratt Homes
  • She is someone who not only works tremendously hard but is also great to deal with and who genuinely understands our business and how we operate, always maintaining utmost professionalism.

    Simon Plumb, Property Director, Aldi Stores Ltd

My insights