Examines how recent changes to the procedures for obtaining compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) imposed by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 will make it easier to assemble mixed-use redevelopment sites. Considers compulsory purchase as an effective fast-track land assembly process, which offers a very certain basis for cleaning up title over a multitude of property and carries only one risk - cost. Comments on the improvements to the basis of compensation in the Act including loss payments payable in addition to the open market value of the property being acquired and also on the guidance on obtaining and implementing CPOs published in ODPM Circular 06/04. Illustrates the difficulties that can arise when partial land assembly has preceded the use of compulsory powers or when only a few interests are required to facilitate a proposed scheme where ransom or marriage value may be claimed. Concludes with an assessment of difficulties in evaluating compensation.