Richard Birks

Partner

  • Richard Birks
  • Phone: +44 20 7786 2164

    Import to Address Book

  • Duane Morris
    Citypoint, 16th Floor
    One Ropemaker Street
    London, UK EC2Y 9AW

Richard Birks practices in the area of real estate law, with experience in project finance, major real estate development and infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on health and education.

Mr. Birks provides advice on the development of academic facilities and strategic advice for education institutions on estate rationalisation, disposal programmes and JV/partnering or PPP arrangements. He is also experienced in health PPP projects and acting for funders, investors and institutions developing and investing in the student accommodation sector.

Admissions

  • England and Wales

Education

  • Nottingham University, LL.B., 1994

Experience

  • Duane Morris
    - Partner, 2023-present
  • DWF Law LLP
    - Partner, 2016-2023
  • Eversheds Sutherland LLP
    - Partner, 2007-2016
  • Allen & Overy LLP
    - Associate, 1998-2007
  • Watson Burton
    - Trainee Attorney, 1995-1998

Representative Matters

  • Represented developer Alumno Group in the corporate disposal and forward funding of two purpose-built student accommodation (“PBSA”) developments in Scotland, entering into long-term funding arrangements of $91 million (£70 million), with a fund managed by Henderson Park, in Luxembourg, which provided both acquisition and development financing. The deal involved a 262-unit development in Glasgow and a 191-unit scheme in Edinburgh, both with ancillary commercial space.

  • Represented student housing specialist Alumno Student Limited in its disposal of an iconic Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) forming part of the wider regeneration of a campus that is listed under UK planning rules as the definitive example of ‘brutalist’ architecture.

  • Represented student housing specialist Alumno Student Limited in the acquisition and funding of a central London Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development site for a 24-story student tower to be constructed adjacent to major transport infrastructure and using part of the railway arches within the design.

  • Represented client in a rebuild of a PFI Hospital to reconfigure the space and introduce major new clinical equipment, in order to modernize and improve both health and energy efficiencies.