Case Studies

Archway Tower, Islington, London

Archway Tower was built in the early 1970s and occupied as an office by a number of government agencies.  The freehold is owned by London Underground and the building oversails Archway Underground Station.

Our client had purchased a head leasehold interest that prohibited the use of the building for residential purposes.  Furthermore, London Underground had sold their ground rent to an investor meaning that they received zero income from the asset.

Careful negotiations allowed the acquisition of the ground lease; agreement with London Underground to relinquish the residential restriction & re-gear their lease; and planning permission to create the first private build to rent development in London for over 70 years. The asset management and development management transformed the asset value from £6 million to £60 million.

The development has also been instrumental in triggering the regeneration of Archway and has seen virtually full residential occupation since it was completed.

Bethnal Green, London

54 Three Colts Lane is an emerging location in Bethnal Green developed for the build to rent sector but containing some commercial space. The developer needed the asset and the surrounding area to become desirable and aspirational.  

A 'place making' leasing strategy was created for the commercial parts producing lettings to art galleries (Freehouse , Maureen Paley, Project Native Informant) and a concept bar (Fugitive Motel) offering low and no-alcohol drinks. The property is fully let.

Papworth Business Park, Papworth

A rapidly expanding corporate had acquired several similar businesses and wished to house them all within a single dedicated facility. 

Following a review of the occupiers' needs a strategy was created that saw neighbouring land being acquired, planning consent gained and construction completed for a 5,000 sq m industrial unit with a bespoke fit out.

The project was completed from start to finish in 18 months with the final strategic element being a successful disposal of the property in a sale and leaseback transaction that created £2 million of additional, unbudgeted value for the group.