News

At Murria Solicitors, our work is often closely connected with the communities we serve. For our Managing Director and Charity Law Specialist Mukesh Murria, that connection recently became particularly personal when residents in his own local area came together to protect a much-valued green space in Harborne.

The open land around Sir Richard’s Drive has long been enjoyed by local families, children, walkers and community groups. When residents learned that the land, owned by Calthorpe Estates, was to be sold, there was understandable concern about its long-term future.

Residents quickly came together to explore what could be done. Meetings were organised, including discussions involving local MP Preet Kaur Gill, and attention turned from concern about the proposed sale to finding a practical way for the community itself to acquire and protect the land.

As both a local resident and a solicitor experienced in charity law, Mukesh became involved in helping the group turn that ambition into an appropriate legal structure.

Working alongside key members of the community, Mukesh has provided his time and legal expertise entirely on a pro bono basis, assisting with the legal implementation of the residents’ plans.

This has included work towards establishing an appropriate structure through which the proposed acquisition can progress. Green Harborne Limited has now been registered, while work is also progressing on the proposed charitable structure intended ultimately to hold the land for the benefit of the wider community and future generations.
A community initiative of this nature involves more than simply establishing an organisation. There are important considerations around governance, ownership, responsibility and the long-term purpose for which an asset is to be held.

The aim has therefore been to help create a structure capable of supporting not only the proposed acquisition, but also the community purpose behind it for the years ahead.

A contribution recognised locally

The collective effort has received the support of Preet Kaur Gill MP, who has been involved in discussions with residents concerning the future of the land.

In correspondence following the establishment of Green Harborne Limited, she specifically recognised Mukesh’s voluntary contribution:
“The pro bono support from Mr Mukesh Murria demonstrates the sort of commitment there is from people in the community, alongside your determined leadership.”
She also congratulated everyone involved and expressed her hope that the purchase would be completed and the green secured for generations to come.

Reflecting on his involvement, Mukesh said:
“For me, this has always been a community effort. Residents came together because they care deeply about this space and what it means to the area. I have simply been pleased to use my legal experience to help turn that shared ambition into a structure that can support the community’s plans for the future.” Mukesh Murria, Solicitor

The proposed acquisition and charitable arrangements are continuing, and there remains work to be done. However, the progress made so far demonstrates what can be achieved when residents come together around a shared purpose and combine their determination with the appropriate professional support.

We are pleased that Mukesh Murria has been able to contribute his professional knowledge and time to an initiative within his own community, and we look forward to seeing the residents’ plans progress.

Above all, this remains a community-led effort, driven by local people who want to preserve a space that has been part of everyday life in the area for many years and, it is hoped, will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.