Temple Heelis Secures Future in Kendal by Acquiring Landmark Buildings
Leading Lakeland law firm Temple Heelis has acquired two buildings in Kendal, securing its long-standing commitment to Kendal and the region and also investing in the firm’s future.
Occupying the building known as 1 Kent View since 2012, the firm’s offices are located in a prime position in the town centre overlooking the River Kent. Members of the firm’s Kendal-based teams work on three floors in the building, which comprises almost 6,000 square feet. Two meeting rooms, an IT department and ‘hot desking’ arrangements are all housed in this building. Adjacent to 1 Kent View is a second property, Tanners House, which Temple Heelis has also acquired and which is currently leased out to a local business.
Commenting on this significant property transaction, Managing Partner Jamie Hamilton said “We are delighted to announce this acquisition which is good for the firm and good for the region. We have been very happy in 1 Kent View for 10 years and hoped very much to stay there but, at the same time, recognise that we want to change some aspects of our working environment and layout. The location and quality of the building is ideal for us, our clients and our team members. Buying the building gives us greater flexibility both for our current requirements and in planning for future expansion and changing working patterns.”
Jamie continued: “Our aim is to look at both 1 Kent View and Tanners House which we have bought and design a future concept which best utilises the overall space. We will be inviting our team members to contribute their ideas to help shape our future plans, which we hope to kick off in about 18 months or so. In the meantime, we are delighted to continue a long and important professional relationship with our neighbouring professionals.”
The transaction hasn’t been without its complexities as Temple Heelis’ Head of Commercial Property Lucy Benton explains: “There were many different elements to this property deal, including two freehold purchases (both with different complexities of their own!), an overage deed, existing occupational leases, and change of landlord and tenant status in both buildings.” She continued “The due diligence process was very detailed and in-depth, not least because of the amount of input from other legal advisers and the number of parties involved in the various aspects of the transaction.”
Lucy continued “As with any commercial property transaction, there were also many regulatory requirements to be met, including ensuring there were up to date EPCs, fire risk assessments, asbestos inspections, health & safety reports, electrical installation reports and gas safety checks to name just a few.”
Investing in the future in its Kendal premises is the latest significant announcement by Temple Heelis in 2022. Recently, the firm celebrated its 200th year in business with a Beatrix Potter-themed schools competition, in recognition of Beatrix Potter’s special relationship with the firm (she was initially a client and then married a partner, William Heelis). Also during the year, the firm has created several Solicitor Apprentice scheme opportunities, a Business Administration apprenticeship and a new Associateship role. The firm is ranked for the third consecutive year in both The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners which are the UK’s leading legal directories, and this year gained an additional ranking for the first time for its Commercial Property work.
Temple Heelis has been advised in its acquisition of the buildings by Lucy Benton and her team.