International law firm Gowling WLG has advised Osborne+Co on the development of a new 500,000 sq. ft. office campus for Santander UK at Milton Keynes. The £150 million construction contract let is being hailed as the largest value building contract let in the UK since the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Gowling WLG team led by Mike Trainer, a partner in Gowling WLG's commercial development and investment team, was instructed by Osborne+Co following a recommendation by an existing client.

Simon Wade, legal director and Mike Trainer led on the development agreement with Santander UK, involving designing the campus, obtaining planning, securing the site and construction.

Mark Stephenson, partner in the Gowling WLG construction team along with associate Louisa McMurdo led on the construction aspects in relation to this landmark development.

The new office will bring together staff from Santander UK's existing local office buildings into one location. Once fully fitted, the campus will become home to 6,000 staff in Milton Keynes. The campus is an environmentally sustainable building designed to achieve BREAM Excellent and WELL 'Gold' Certification.

In addition to Mike Trainer, Simon Wade, Mark Stephenson and Louisa McMurdo, Nigel Hewitson advised on planning and Chris Nyland on tax.

Mike Trainer, partner at Gowling WLG added: "Osborne+Co have brought a fresh, collaborative approach to working with their clients which is reflected in the innovative manner in which the design of this iconic campus evolved and the development was procured. The combined strength of our real estate sector team ensured the diverse work streams were delivered seamlessly to ensure the deal progressed smoothly in accordance with our client's aspiration.

Jim Osborne of Osborne+Co said "This is one of the first of our many schemes to be delivered across the breadth of the UK. It is the first time we have worked with Gowling but following the successful delivery of the exciting scheme, it will not be the last as their approach has reflected our collaboration ethos".

Gowling WLG's real estate sector group represent leading real estate investors and developers and offers a full cradle to grave service on various projects. This includes extensive experience dealing with the funding, development and procurement aspects of a diverse range of real estate projects.

Eversheds Sutherland acted for Santander UK.