Broadgate Circle improvements proposed
May 8, 2012 by Rob Powell
Plans have been submitted to the City of London for a revamp of Broadgate Circle.
Owners British Land and the Blackstone Group want to create an “enhanced performance space” surrounded by new restaurants and shops at lower ground level. The popular ice rink will still run during the Winter months.
Tim Roberts from British Land said: “The proposals for Broadgate Circle are designed to enhance the public amenity and structure at the heart of Broadgate, while preserving its essential character.”
BL says the Arup-designed scheme has the support of English Heritage.
Office developer to dispose of office portfolio and focus on retail
February 27, 2012 by Rob Powell
PROPERTY developer Hammerson has announced it will dispose of its office portfolio and instead focus on a retail strategy.
The company, which published its year end results for 2011 on Friday, said it would look to sell off its office properties in the medium term and concentrate on its retail portfolio which includes shopping centres such as Brent Cross in North London and the Bullring in Birmingham.
Hammerson owns several office developments in the City which it will be now looking for buyers for. These include 99 Bishopsgate, 1 Leadenhall C ourt, 125 Old Broad Street and 10 Gresham Street.
David Atkins, Chief Executive of Hammerson, said:
“Following the review of our strategy we will focus on being the best owner-manager and developer of retail property within Europe. Hammerson has created a retail business delivering outperformance from prime assets in winning locations. We now intend to sell our standing office investments over the medium term to maximise returns, redeploying capital into the retail sector to exploit our expertise and build on our existing scale. This will create efficiencies that lead to further cost savings and income growth from our portfolio.”
Blackfriars underground station reopens
February 20, 2012 by Rob Powell
BLACKFRIARS underground station reopened today after a three year upgrade was completed.
The station is now larger and more accessible following the rebuild, and is expected to be used by over 40,000 passengers a day.
The work was part of a larger redevelopment of Blackfriars station which will see it span both sides of the Thames.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said today: ‘With its magnificent ticket hall, brand new lifts and escalators, and more than double the previous capacity, the rebirth of this central London station will improve the journeys of thousands of passengers every single day.
‘An incredible amount of hard work and expertise has been invested in these improvements, and Blackfriars is now set to become a truly world-class station.’
Alleged burglar drops iPod in City office as he escapes
January 16, 2012 by Rob Powell
CITY of London Police want your help identifying this man.
His picture was found on an iPod Touch that was dropped by a man who had broken into offices in Bishopsgate.
The alleged burglar dropped the device and made off after being disturbed by security guards.
DC Siân Astley, of the City of London Police, said: “Initial enquiries have failed to lead us to the person responsible for this break-in.
“I believe discovering the identity of the man in this photograph may prove vital to solving this crime.”
Anyone with information should call DC Siân Astley on 020 7601 2690. Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
New business centre to open on Gracechurch Street
January 13, 2012 by Rob Powell
NEW serviced offices have been announced for Gracechurch Street in the City.
The new business centre is the latest in the Square Mile from technology focused office provider i2 Office.
The Milton Keynes-based company is growing rapidly: this will be its third facility in the City and it has just announced a new centre in Manchester and opened a new one in Greenwich.
Their latest City business centre will be on the ground and first floor of no 40 Gracechurch Street.
Philip Grace, CEO of i2 Office, commented: “Gracechurch Street will be a welcome addition to our nationwide network and further strengthens our London City offer. We have seen high demand for our other centres in London, most recently with Aldersgate, filling up rapidly; we anticipate strong interest in Gracechurch Street.”
Khalid Affara of Arab Investments, who own 40 Gracechurch Street, added: “We’re delighted to be working with i2 Office, who are clearly innovators in the serviced office market. Their demonstrable track record and recent success at Aldersgate will I’m sure see high occupancy at 40 Gracechurch Street very quickly. We look forward to working with i2 Office on this and at other London locations.”
The new business centre will be close to existing serviced offices at 51-54 Gracechurch Street and 70 Gracechurch Street.