One of Bristol’s oldest charities has been advised by the city office of transatlantic law firm Womble Bond Dickinson on the acquisition of a specialist workspace and conference centre.
The Vassall Centre, pictured, in Fishponds offers affordable, accessible facilities for charities and not-for-profit organisations. 
Bristol Charities, which provides opportunities and support for people and communities to improve lives through grants, housing and charitable projects in Bristol and South Wales, plans to build new contemporary almshouses at the centre to offer high-quality affordable homes for older people while retaining its office space.
The Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) team advising Bristol Charities was led by partner Simon Hughes, managing associate Gareth Miles and chartered legal executive Katie Melly. The firm also provided key real estate expertise.
Simon Hughes, pictured, said: “At WBD we’re committed to supporting our local communities, both through our own initiatives and through the work we do for our clients.
“We’re pleased to have advised Bristol Charities on this exciting acquisition of the Vassall Centre which, thanks to the charity’s plans, will continue to play a key part for the community in Fishponds and the wider Bristol area. 
“WBD has been based in Bristol since 1998 and so our understanding of the local market, coupled with our real estate expertise, meant we were able to secure the best possible outcome for all parties.”
Bristol Charities acquired the Vassall Centre from VC Conferences, which had owned and managed it for seven years.
Bristol Charities chief executive officer Anne Anketell added: “We are really excited by the opportunity the Vassall Centre presents to provide much-needed, affordable and high-quality homes for older people in Fishponds, along with contemporary, accessible office space for charities and not-for-profit organisations.
“Plans are at a very early stage and we look forward to working closely with current tenants and the neighbouring community to help inform ideas and designs.
“We’re very grateful to Simon and the whole WBD team for their expert legal advice, being able to rely on a local team of South West lawyers with the right regional know-how has been key for us.”
WBD’s Bristol base is the second largest of the firm’s seven UK offices and employs more than 230 people advising clients such as Bristol City Council, OVO Energy and Bristol Airport. The firm also has 19 offices across the US.
