Alison Kennedy

Practice Areas

Described by one client as their "lawyer of choice on all complex property deals", Alison has experience acting on a broad range of property-related matters.

Her work ranges from project development and structuring, including property joint ventures and development agreements, through to property acquisitions and disposals, retail, industrial and commercial leasing and general property advisory work. She has extensive experience advising both government and private sector clients in relation to major projects and other property matters.

Alison has a number of strong client relationships and is a trusted and respected adviser to her clients. She has been recognised as providing clear insight into complex commercial arrangements, and expressing them in simple and effective documentation.

Work Highlights

Monash University: advises (both as landlord and tenant) in relation to its leasing of properties for education and commercial purposes. Most recently, worked with Monash University (as landowner) on the high-profile deal that will see Moderna open the southern hemisphere’s first mRNA vaccine facility at Monash’s Technology Precinct, where it will produce 100 million vaccine doses annually, ensuring our country is at the forefront of pandemic response and preparedness.

La Trobe University: Acting for La Trobe University as landowner in relation to the establishment of global giant, BioNTech's, mRNA research and manufacturing facility at the La Trobe University, Bundoora Campus.

Villawood Properties (incorporating Sandhurst Capital): Lead legal adviser on many matters for Villawood Properties, one of Australia's leading residential land developers. Alison provides advice and drafts documents in relation to matters including development structuring, sales and acquisitions, leases and licences, Development Agreements, Project Management Agreements, Shareholder Agreements, Owners Corporation structuring and subdivision strategies and joint ventures.

Development Victoria: advised Development Victoria and the broader Victorian Government team on the successful financial close of the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre project — one of the biggest developments in regional Victoria. It will incorporate a purpose-built convention and exhibition space which includes a 1000 seat venue, two large exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities and flexible event spaces. Alison advised on the commercial development components of the Project including drafting development agreements and advising on alternative sale and lease structures.

Level crossings removal program: advises on the proposed integrated development opportunity sites associated with this Victorian Government program and other property aspects of the Project, including preparing and reviewing leases and licences for temporary occupation of sites and providing advice in relation to voluntary and compulsory acquisitions (both for core works and integrated development opportunity sites) and Victorian legislation including the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986, the Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009 and the Transport Integration Act 2010.

Department of Premier and Cabinet: assisting in the establishment of the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence (MCRE) in Shepparton, Victoria. The MCRE aims to be a world-class education, sporting and public gathering space that celebrates our nation and its oldest living culture. The MCRE will be Australia’s first First Peoples-led pathways and tertiary education centre, with strong cultural identity weaved throughout all that it offers – for both First Peoples and non-First peoples alike.

Origin Energy: acted for well over a decade on numerous transactions including corporate and industrial leases; wind farm projects including the South East Wind Project, Stockyard Hill Wind Farm and Dundas Tablelands Wind Farm; landholder access arrangements for Origin's Halladale and Speculant gas pipeline project in Victoria; and the acquisition and sale of various freehold properties.

Stockland: Advises Stockland in relation to the acquisition, sale and leasing of land in Victoria for residential and industrial purposes.

Adidas and Myer: advises on their retail leasing portfolio throughout Australia.

Industry Sector Expertise

Housing

Higher Education

Infrastructure

Consumer & Retail

Energy & Renewables