Harrison Drury advises Preston Grasshoppers on land sale

North West law firm Harrison Drury has advised on a deal which has seen Preston Grasshoppers sell land to North West Care Homes Limited.

The rugby club has sold 1.7 acres of its front car park to the care home developer for £800,000.

The site, on Lightfoot Green Lane, will be developed into a two storey 74-bed care home and as part of the deal, North West Care Homes will upgrade the club’s existing parking facilities at the rear of the club to create a 200-space match day car park replacing the lost space.

Richard Ellis, general manager at Preston Grasshoppers, said: “The sale of this land means that we can re-invest in the club for the future and improve our facilities as outlined in the development masterplan a couple of years ago.

“Our priorities will be to improve and extend the bar and catering facilities creating a café which integrates with the Guild Wheel and local residential community, to renovate the toilets and reception area and modernise the office shop, which along with the new car park will make a huge difference to our members and visitors. It’s an exciting time for the club and for the local area.”

Harrison Drury’s property team acted on behalf of Preston Grasshoppers in its negotiations with North West Care Homes. The team was led by Owen McKenna with support from Rhian Hawkins. John Chesworth acted as the main liaison with the club, being a committee member himself.

Owen McKenna, a director in Harrison Drury’s commercial property team, said: “Preston Grasshoppers’ deal with North West Care Homes makes good commercial sense and gives both parties a great opportunity to give something back to the local community.

“It was a pleasure to advise Richard and the committee on the sale. With the money realised from the sale the club can start to execute its future development plans.”

Work will start on the care home development in April and is due for completion in June 2019. Meanwhile, the work on the new car park has already commenced.