OUR LAWYERS

Robert Sprake

Partner in Real Estate, Property Development and
Charities & Social Enterprise

+44 (0)845 257 9449

Contact Robert

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Robert initially joined Excello Law in 2012 bringing with him over 20 years’ experience of commercial law and high end real estate transactions, having trained and developed his legal career at Wragge and Co in Birmingham for eleven years, before heading up the commercial property teams at two firms in Worcester.

After pursuing opportunities elsewhere, Robert rejoined Excello full-time in 2020, acting for property investors, developers and landowners, landlords and tenants in all aspects of their portfolios.

Robert has a particular interest in Church law as from 2005 to 2012 he was assistant to the registrar for the Diocese of Worcester, being appointed deputy registrar in 2009.  In addition to being responsible for dealing with the Diocesan commercial and agricultural property portfolio, he was also involved in advising Bishops and Diocesan Officers generally on ecclesiastical law issues, charitable law aspects, trusts law and the application of new legislation to the work of the Diocese.

Robert also qualified as a Notary Public in 2009 to offer an additional service to his international clients.

Robert's Experience

Part of the senior lead negotiating team acting for Birmingham City Council on the sale of the National Exhibition Centre between April 2014 and April 2015 for an undisclosed final price in excess of £300M. This sale was achieved by way of drafting, negotiating and granting long leases including numerous ancillary deeds, leasebacks, buy back deeds, options and surrenders across hotel/retail/leisure/infrastructure sectors.

Acting for a registered provider in its purchase by way of sub sale, of a development site for a mixture of 80+ open market and affordable houses for a total value of £18M but with multiple legal and commercial complexities in relation to governance/structure aspects; SDLT and VAT mitigation; detailed reciprocal easements and securing the consent of Network Rail.

Sales to and purchases by registered providers of completed s106 units on residential developments plus wider experience in acquiring land for such clients carrying out their own development; dealing with site issues such as relaxation of badger setts and innovative drainage solutions requiring complex deeds of easement.

Acting for a charity landowner in granting an option to a national housebuilder for the development of a new edge of town settlement involving the relocation of sports pitches and HS2 mitigation measures. Also involving complex issues regarding land registration and Charity Commission consent.

Particular experience advising on complex land assembly matters, options and promotion agreements including acting for landowners, investors, developers and tenants, charities, family trusts, registered social housing providers and the Church of England.

Settling detailed and complex heads of terms and first draft papers for a major new build headquarters’ office development in the South East requiring a freehold transfer and phased vacation/occupation.

1992

Robert’s interests include travel, watching sport and running (slowly).  He’s actively involved with his local church and is a part-time volunteer at a local prison.   All these play a great part in ensuring Robert avoids doing any (much-needed) gardening or practising his electric guitar!

Notary Public (2009)

Testimonials

Our organisation recently found ourselves in a very time pressured situation & needed fast and reliable legal provision. Robert appreciated our circumstances and proceeded with a great sense of urgency to ensure our deadlines were met. Clear and helpful advice was provided throughout the entire process, with the efficiency of the service surpassing all expectations. I would recommend Robert without reservation.

Katy Saunderson, Director, Arcadea

We were out of our depth with a legal issue and didn’t really know which way to turn. We contacted Robert Sprake and didn’t look back. He’s guided us through a complicated minefield and broke it down for us into clear pros and cons, guiding us through the process swiftly and simply.

When we first contacted Robert it had been a last resort, and with very little hope for a resolution. Robert was recommended to us as a helpful, friendly adviser, and sure enough, he was absolutely fantastic. He gave us hope that we were not fighting in vain, and the speed of his response to every query was reliably fast. His patience must have been tested with our own inability to make quick decisions but he never showed any sign of losing it, and kept us informed at every step of the way. We achieved a resolution without the need for legal proceedings, and we will be ever grateful for the down to earth and friendly manner in which our case was dealt with from start to finish.

We would not hesitate to recommend Robert Sprake.

Churchill Terrace Allotment Association, Durham

Robert's Updates