Eastleigh Lakeside Miniature Railway becomes latest addition to Seaside Railway Group portfolio
Wake Smith Solicitors has advised on the successful acquisition of Eastleigh Lakeside Miniature Railway, marking the third miniature railway purchase for heritage rail enthusiasts Peter Bryant and John Kerr.
The purchase was made through Seaside Railway Group Ltd, which now owns and operates three of the UK’s most popular miniature railways: Eastleigh Lakeside Miniature Railway in Hampshire, Scarborough North Bay Railway, and Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway.
Located near Southampton in Eastleigh Country Park, Eastleigh Lakeside Miniature Railway is a well-established family attraction that features a 1.25-mile-long narrow gauge track, 24 locomotives, tunnel, signal gantry, two stations, café, shop, and comprehensive workshop facilities. The attraction has been running for more than 30 years and welcomes thousands of visitors annually.
The commercial legal team at Wake Smith Solicitors, led by director Rebecca Robinson and supported by solicitor Joe Creasor, handled the full legal process. This included drafting share purchase agreements, conducting due diligence, negotiating deal terms, and liaising with former owner and founder Clive Upton, who is retiring from the business.
Rebecca Robinson commented, “This is the third miniature railway acquisition we’ve supported for Peter and John. The purchase secures the future of Eastleigh Lakeside Miniature Railway and ensures this much-loved visitor attraction continues to delight generations of rail enthusiasts.”
Directors Peter Bryant and John Kerr said, “Eastleigh Lakeside Miniature Railway is a treasured part of the local community and a key attraction in the Hampshire region. Clive Upton has done an exceptional job developing one of the finest miniature railway facilities in the country. We’re excited to bring our experience and passion to Eastleigh and work with the brilliant team of staff and volunteers to continue Clive’s legacy. Once again, Rebecca and the Wake Smith team provided first-class legal support and made the acquisition process smooth and straightforward.”
This acquisition further strengthens the Seaside Railway Group’s position as a leading operator of UK miniature and heritage railways, and reinforces Wake Smith’s credentials in supporting specialist tourism, leisure and transport sector clients with expert legal advice.
Image provided by Wake Smith Solicitors
