Gwen Sharp

Partner

Edgerton

07712 653211

gwen.sharp@ramsdens.co.uk

 

 

Gwen is a Solicitor and Partner in our Real Estate team. She joined the partnership at Ramsdens in January 2023, having previously worked at a global law firm for over 15 years. 

She has an extremely broad range of experience, working for both public and private sector clients, dealing with a wide range of work including large scale development projects, high value investment work and leading property teams on corporate transactions.

Gwen is known for her ability to build strong relationships, not only with colleagues and clients but with lawyers and clients on the other side of transactions. She strives to work flexibly and proactively with all parties involved in any transaction.

Gwen was also ranked as a 'Next Generation Partner' in The Legal 500, in both 2021 and 2022.

 

Gwen specialises in:

• Development work (including large scale infrastructure projects and site assembly work);
• High value acquisitions, disposals and asset management work for investment funds;
• Development agreements/ leases for both landlords and tenants
• University estates work
• Mining and minerals work

 

What are your career highlights so far?

• Anglo American Woodsmith Plc (formerly Sirius Minerals Plc):  Gwen has acted for this client for over 11 years, in relation to their polyhalite fertiliser mine being developed in the North East of England.  The Woodsmith Project – Anglo American – UK  The project involves the construction of a mine in the National Park outside Whitby, North Yorkshire; a 37km long tunnel to transport the minerals to a Materials Handling Facility at Wilton International, Teesside; a 2 mile overland conveyor to move the processed product from the facility to the Port; and construction of a jetty.  Gwen has dealt with the acquisition of numerous key infrastructure sites over the years (freehold, leasehold and easements (and complex options for the same)); engaging with and building successful relationships with all of the various stakeholders involved. Gwen is an extremely valued advisor for this client and has continued to work alongside her former firm advising on the project since moving to Ramsdens.  ​​​​​​
• University of Huddersfield:  Gwen acted for the University from 2011 and soon became their trusted advisor and the sole property lawyer instructed on all of the University’s estates work until she left her former firm at the end of 2022.  Gwen acted for the University on their strategic acquisition of the town centre site to facilitate the development of The National Health Innovation Campus which is a transformative project for the people of the region. It will improve health outcomes and lead to innovation in healthcare for the North of England. National Health Innovation Campus - University of Huddersfield
• A large investment fund with 34 Billion Euro assets under management worldwide: Gwen advises this client on high value asset management work which includes advising on letting strategies, high value surrenders/ disposals including complex agreements for lease, with advice on tax structuring, high value leases, a complex partial surrender and demise swap between existing tenants with works crossing over between demises and all manner of ancillary documents. 
• Affordable workspace operator: Gwen has recently advised this client on the acquisition of a c.250 year lease of the affordable workspace element of a vibrant new mixed use development.  Gwen negotiated the agreement for lease, long lease, outdoor seating licence and construction warranties.  In addition, Gwen also worked with the client’s accountants to ensure that the acquisition was structured efficiently from a tax perspective.  Gwen continues to advise this client on a number of ongoing projects.
• Large former mill complex with over 1,000,000 square foot of lettable space:  Gwen leads the team on this client’s asset management work and also deals with the more complex or unusual lettings including arrangements with EVCP providers.
• Private investor: Gwen recently led a team on the acquisition of multi-let shopping centre consisting of 80,000 square foot of retail space with exchange being achieved within two weeks of initial instruction. The team is now supporting this client with ongoing asset management work.
• Homes England: Gwen advised this client on several key projects whilst with her former firm including the land assembly for the York Central project which was led by this client and also involved Network Rail and The National Rail Museum. The aim of the project is to transform underused land into vibrant and distinctive residential neighbourhoods, cultural spaces, and a high-quality commercial quarter at the heart of York; helping to provide the homes the city needs and grow its economy by 20%. A new space at the heart of the city - York Central

 

What made you want to work in your sector?

"My parents told me not to be a teacher (although according to my team I still am!) and History was my favourite subject so law was the logical step. I went into my training contract with a very open mind about which area I wanted to qualify into (something I always advise people to do because law is very different in practice) and commercial property was the stand out area for me, it can be incredibly complex, with the law evolving all the time, so as I have said to my children, I still learn new things all the time!"

 

Visit our Real Estate section, for more information on our services, or alternatively, speak to a member of our team on 01484 821 500.