Pinsent Masons advises University of Leicester on £124m Freemans Common Residences project

28 Aug 2019 | 08:35 am |

International law firm Pinsent Masons has advised the University of Leicester on its Freemens Common Residences DBFO project, which has reached Financial Close.

The University and preferred bidder for the project, Freemens Common Village LLP, raised £124m of finance through a inflation linked bond, wrapped by Assured Guaranty (Europe) plc.

The project will see the design, build, finance and operation of 1,164 new bedrooms as well as the design and build of a new multi-storey car park, cafe, reception space and a new teaching and learning centre, with the first phase of additional accommodation expected to be completed for the start of the 2021/22 academic year.

Equity in Freemens Common Village LLP was provided by Equitix (80%), Engie (10%) and the University of Leicester (10%).

Partner Victoria Goddard and Legal Director Chris Owens led the Pinsent Masons team that worked on the project. The team advised the University of Leicester on all aspects of the project from the procurement of the preferred bidder through to financial close.

Goddard commented: "This project is of huge strategic importance to the University of Leicester and its future plans and we're delighted to see this transformational deal reach Financial Close."

Martyn Riddleston, Chief Financial Officer of the University of Leicester, commented: "Pinsent Masons have provided exceptional support to the University for this important transaction. Our core team from Pinsent Masons worked with us to understand and manage a number of complex and challenging legal issues and to enable us to reach a satisfactory conclusion".

Pinsent Masons has advised number of universities and private sector partners on student accommodation projects including most recently the University of Brighton on the Moulsecoomb residences project worth circa £100 million and is currently advising the University of York in relation to the Campus East Residences DBFO project.

Latest press releases

Show me all press releases

Pinsent Masons advises Bestinver Infra and FCR on Irish toll road share purchase deal

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised Bestinver Infra, FCR, on the acquisition of an interest in N6 (Concession) Holdings Limited and N6 (Operations) Limited from Sacyr Concessions Limited.

Pinsent Masons named Most Innovative Law Firm in Europe 2023 by Financial Times

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has been named the Most Innovative Law Firm in Europe and won the Energy & Security Transition category at this year’s FT Innovative Lawyer Awards.

Pinsent Masons named as a top ten family friendly employer by Working Families

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has been named as a top ten family friendly employer by the national charity for working parents and carers Working Families.

People who viewed this press release also viewed

Show me all press releases

Pinsent Masons continues growth in Australia with appointment of Planning and Environment partner in Melbourne

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has continued to grow its property team in Australia with the appointment of Florence Riviere as a planning and environment partner in Melbourne.

Pinsent Masons hires property partner Patricia Pérez Lago in Madrid

Multinational law firm has hired property partner Patricia Pérez Lago in Madrid to join the firm’s real estate sector.

Pinsent Masons promotes 25 to its partnership

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has promoted 25 to its partnership, boosting its sector-focused professional services capabilities.

For all media enquiries, including arranging an interview with one of our spokespeople, please contact the press office on

+44 (0)20 7418 8199 or 

Location contacts

We are processing your request. \n Thank you for your patience. An error occurred. This could be due to inactivity on the page - please try again.