Greater Manchester transport bosses appoint new legal panel

Urvashi Bramwell

Transport bosses in Greater Manchester have appointed a team of legal experts to oversee a wide range of future projects, including the expansion of the county’s high-profile light rail network, Metrolink.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) has hired DLA Piper, Eversheds and Pannone LLP to carry out the work.

GMPTE has secured £640 million to expand the Metrolink network and make major improvements to the existing system. It is also bidding for future funding to continue the expansion into Rochdale  and Oldham town centres as well as to Ashton-under-Lyne, East Didsbury and Manchester Airport.

GMPTE Director Urvashi Bramwell said: “There’s a great deal of complex work ahead of us at GMPTE and I’m delighted we’ve been able to appoint a panel of legal experts to help us with it.

“We’re investing a huge amount of money in Greater Manchester’s public transport system over the next few years and it’s vital that we have the legal support needed for these projects. I’m sure DLA Piper, Eversheds and Pannone LLP will provide the expert advice we need.”

Peter Rout, Projects Finance Partner at DLA Piper, said: “The role of GMPTE is key to the economic and social well-being of Greater Manchester and indeed far beyond. GMPTE is viewed as a key client by DLA Piper both in our Manchester office and by our National Transport Team.

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with GMPTE’s legal and commercial teams to help with the continuing revitalisation of Manchester and the wider region.”

Edward Pysden, Corporate Partner at Eversheds, said: “We are very pleased to have been appointed to the panel and look forward to working closely with GMPTE, drawing on our extensive public sector and transport expertise from across our network of offices.”

Udo Pope, Partner at Pannone LLP, said: “We have previously worked with GMPTE on the development of the Metrolink network and other projects, which are of great benefit to public transport users in Greater Manchester.

“We are very pleased to be appointed to the first GMPTE legal panel and look forward to the continuing success of our relationship with them.”

DLA Piper, Eversheds and Pannone LLP will give support and assistance to GMPTE’s existing in-house legal team.