LAW firm Bond Pearce has expanded its real estate practice in Southampton with three new appointments.

Increased growth sees Alistair Walton join the firm as a partner along with lawyer James Davies.

Jon Hobbs, a Bond Pearce trainee who has recently qualified, also takes a permanent place within the team.

Retail property expert Alistair joins the firm from Shoosmiths, having worked on a number of high profile deals in the region including the proposed new Ikea store adjacent to WestQuay and the sale and regeneration of the former Husbands Shipyard at Marchwood to create a new Industrial Marine Park.

Alistair, vice chairman of Southampton Property Association, brings with him Dreams plc as a new client of the firm.

James, a commercial property lawyer joins the firm from S J Berwin. He has experience of a broad range of commercial property matters, including advising on all aspects of property investment transactions. James has previously advised investment funds established by Evans Randall Plc and Ing Real Estate.

Partner Andrew MacKean, head of real estate, said: "We are delighted to have expanded the team with such high calibre appointments. We have a dedicated and vibrant property team here in Southampton, delivering a complete range of property advice, backed up with expertise covering a wide variety of industries."

The real estate team is advising Carnival on the relocation to its new HQ at West Quay and acted for the University of Southampton on the recent sale of the New College campus site to Linden Homes.