Wragge & Co LLP has provided free legal advice to the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP) as part of its growing portfolio of pro bono work.

The Central Stations Initiative is a pilot project where disused station buildings are rented to local voluntary groups or charities for minimal rates. The scheme has already seen a craft shop set up at Great Malvern station and a social and economic enterprise launched at Stamford.   

An ACoRP-managed partnership, involving Central Trains and Network Rail, is overseeing the project. Wragge & Co's head of rail Michael Whitehouse and solicitor Tom Barr have been providing ongoing advice.

Michael Whitehouse said: "It's been rewarding to be involved in the renovation and rebirth of these station buildings. Our experience in property deals has played a key part in moving the local voluntary groups and charities into their new homes quickly and efficiently."

ACoRP project officer Susan Miles said: "Bringing empty or underutilised railway property back into use helps breathe life into the station and benefits the area. Thanks to Wragge & Co, we could rely on experts in the industry and, because of its pro bono work, we can put more investment back into the projects."

ACoRP is a national federation of over 60 local community rail partnerships spread across the UK. It is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to provide support, advice and guidance to rural and local rail services, including community groups, town and parish councils, rural transport partnerships and small businesses.

Wragge & Co's rail team has significant expertise in legal issues relating to railway stations. The team have advised on the construction of new stations, rehabilitation of disused stations and the connection of the Air-Rail Link to Birmingham International station.

Boosted by the appointment of former partner Lorna Gavin as head of corporate responsibility, Wragge & Co has provided pro bono advice across the country on a weekly basis. In the past 12 months 7,000 hours of pro bono work have been recorded including advising an inner city community centre on various matters and acting for children's charity Plan International on employment issues.

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For further information about this press release, contact Kathryn Hobbs on +44 (0)121 213 2397, Alexa Highfield on +44 (0)121 213 2396 or Matthew Purcell on +44 (0)121 213 2360

This press release may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.