Shoosmiths advises Hemiko on landmark low-carbon heat network for West London

Shoosmiths advised Hemiko on the real estate aspects of its appointment by the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) to deliver a pioneering low-carbon heat network in West London. This project marks a significant milestone in the capital’s transition to sustainable infrastructure.

The network will harness waste heat from local data centre cooling systems to provide low-carbon heating to more than 10,000 new homes and businesses across the Old Oak and Park Royal area – one of London’s largest brownfield regeneration opportunities, which is set to deliver around 20,000 new homes over the next 20 years.

Shoosmiths advised Hemiko on real estate due diligence and lease structuring for the proposed energy centre site, as well as the real estate elements of the shareholder agreement.

Chris Haines, general counsel at Hemiko, said:

“This project demonstrates the potential of waste heat as a vital resource in the transition to net zero. By partnering with OPDC, we’re unlocking the value of existing infrastructure and accelerating the rollout of low-carbon heat networks in urban areas. We’re grateful to Shoosmiths for its hard work, expertise, and dedication in driving the project forward to a successful outcome.”

The Shoosmiths team was led by real estate partner Liz McKillop Paley, with principal associate Emma Foulds and associate Daniela Porco providing key support.

Liz McKillop Paley, real estate partner at Shoosmiths, added:

“Delivering low-carbon heat at scale is one of the biggest infrastructure challenges facing UK cities. This scheme shows how repurposing existing assets – like data centres – can form part of the solution. We were pleased to support Hemiko on the real estate aspects of this project, achieving a successful outcome under complex, time-sensitive procurement conditions and reinforcing Shoosmiths’ expertise in energy infrastructure.”