Burges Salmon appointed
Burges Salmon have been appointed as the official legal services partner to the Bristol Aero Collection Trust. Their press release reads as follows:
Burges Salmon flying high as legal services partner for the new Concorde museum
7th May 2014
Burges Salmon has been appointed as the "Official Legal Services Partner" to the organisation behind the proposed new home for Concorde in Bristol.
Under the agreement, Burges Salmon will provide legal services to the Bristol Aero Collection Trust (BACT) on a pro-bono basis (without charge) during the development of the new museum. As part of Burges Salmon's commitment to cultural activities in the community, the firm will also offer volunteers to the Bristol Aerospace Centre to assist the Trust in archiving its collections.
The Bristol Aerospace Centre will give the Bristol region a new heritage museum and learning centre in Filton, north Bristol, which aims to inspire, educate and entertain today's and future generations. It will tell the story of the region's world-class aerospace industry – past, present and future and in particular the story of Concorde 216 (the last full aeroplane to be built at Filton). The Centre plans to open its doors to the public in summer 2017.
Burges Salmon is a leading adviser in the important Aerospace and Defence sector, so working with BACT is a natural extension of its work in this area. Burges Salmon will advise the Aerospace Centre in connection with the proposed development of a new museum to house the Bristol Aero Collection and Concorde. The legal work will be led by Real Estate Development partner Ross Polkinghorne.
The work that the firm will carry out will initially include advising on the long-term lease of the land on which the new Centre will be built, securing planning consent for the proposed development, and assisting with contractual agreements between building and design contractors.
The aim of the Bristol Aerospace Centre is to:
- showcase and celebrate the region's continued world-class achievements in aerospace
- promote learning, training and skills particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and inspire the next generation of designers, innovators and engineers
- conserve the region's rich aviation heritage, including Concorde, and help people learn about and participate in this heritage.
As the project gathers momentum, Burges Salmon joins a list of other organisations (such as Airbus, Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems) in providing support to the project. The project is also backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund and is supported by South Gloucestershire Council and Bristol City Council.
Burges Salmon's managing partner, Peter Morris , said: “We are delighted to act as legal advisors to this exciting project. The Aerospace Centre will contribute significantly not only to the educational and cultural life of Bristol but will also attract national and international interest, given Concorde’s iconic status and global appeal".
Lloyd Burnell, project director of the Bristol Aero Collection Trust said: "With Burges Salmon now working alongside us to help with the legal aspects of the Aerospace Centre project we can start on the planning consent phase of the project, which is required before construction can begin. We are extremely grateful for Burges Salmon's support".