To approve the direct award of a contract to DWF Law LLP under the NEPO Legal Services Framework for specialist external legal services in connection with the Council's proposed acquisition of Billingham Town Centre.

The appointment will comprise one overall appointment with two separately scoped but interdependent commissions. Commission 1 - Public Law, Subsidy Control and Compliance Advice The continuation and extension of specialist legal advice previously provided by DWF to the Council in relation to subsidy control, public law, governance and other compliance issues concerning the proposed acquisition of interests within Billingham Town Centre. Commission 2 - Property Acquisition and Transactional Legal Services Subject to the Council's decision-making processes and, in particular, any subsequent decision by Cabinet to approve the acquisition, DWF will provide the property and transactional legal services required to progress and complete the acquisition. The work includes legal due diligence, title investigation, review of occupational leases, property enquiries and searches, lease reporting, negotiation and completion of the transaction documents, and transaction/project management.

Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (Directive 2014/24/EU)

Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition Option 1 - Undertake a Further Competition Under the NEPO Legal Services Framework This option was considered but rejected because a new provider would need to familiarise itself with the same transaction history, previous advice and legal analysis already undertaken by DWF, resulting in duplication of work, additional cost and delay. Option 2 - Retain DWF for Advisory Work but Procure a Separate Property Adviser This option was considered but rejected because the two commissions are closely interdependent and would create duplication, additional interfaces and a risk of fragmented advice. Option 3 - Defer Appointment of Transactional Lawyers Until After a Cabinet Decision This option was considered but rejected because it would delay legal due diligence and transaction readiness work and reduce the Council's ability to proceed promptly should approval be granted. Option 4 - Undertake the Work Through Internal Legal Services This option was considered but rejected having regard to the scale, complexity and specialist nature of the proposed transaction and existing service demands. Option 5 - Take No Further External Legal Advice This option was rejected because the proposed acquisition is a significant and complex transaction requiring specialist legal advice.

Lot 1: Bids: 1