Stephen Sellers

Head of regeneration, and one of the four partners in the planning and regeneration team, I concentrate on long-term projects where alliances between the public and private sectors bring about change to town and city centres and local authority housing estates.

Tel: +44 (0)870 733 0578

Email: stephen_sellers@wragge.com

Best brains in ...

Strategic thinking, problem solving, translating the principles of an idea into text

Highlight of your career so far?

In the 80s it might have been the Act of Parliament to bring motor racing to Birmingham, in the 90s it would have been the creation of the International Convention Centre and the development of Brindleyplace in Birmingham. Most recently however, it has to be the regeneration agreement for the transformation of the north of Solihull covering 16,000 homes with all the primary schools in the area where we acted for Solihull MBC as it established a long -term 15-year relationship with Bellway Homes, Whitefriars Housing Association and Inpartnerships. It beats everything else for its sheer potential to make a difference to the lives of the man and woman in the street.

Most challenging job you've ever done?

Acting for Croydon LBC in connection with its ambitions for an arena-led mixed-use development adjacent to East Croydon Station. We have had four public inquiries into different aspects or proposals for the development of the site. The project has demanded knowledge and skills across the property planning and compulsory purchase disciplines and an empathy with the way local authorities work. It is one of the first tests of the government's willingness to back the role of local government as civic leaders and place shapers.

What's your definition of going the extra mile... And when have you done it?

Taking part in an early hours telecon at home with the other side on a project to regenerate some listed redundant woollen mills when the client and I both knew the call would have achieved more in less time at a sensible time later that day.

Best example of a creative legal solution?

The use of prudential borrowing powers under the Local Government Act 2003 by Birmingham City Council to refinance off balance sheet debt issued by the National Exhibition Centre Limited to build the International Convention Centre, the National Indoor Arena and facilities at the National Exhibition Centre. It made substantial savings for the Council.

When have you ever given a client a real competitive edge?

Having someone who has worked on the inside of local government and done deals there is a great plus for private sector clients. An insight into how the political agenda is delivered through the policies of the authority and its decision-making process is a big plus. Clients need a different skill set from their advisers when dealing with the public sector.

What's your single greatest contribution to Wragge & Co's corporate responsibility?

I am an active member of Sutton Coldfield Baptist Church. We have projects in all sorts of places ranging from rural development in NE Brazil, to healthcare in Bulgaria and supporting the homeless in Birmingham as well as a community shop in Falcon Lodge in Sutton Coldfield itself.