Possession order on Stern’s house
William Stern, who in 1979 became Britain’s biggest-ever bankrupt with debts of £118m, is facing possession proceedings on his house at 3 West Heath Avenue in London’s Golders Green. Two companies issued a High Court claim against Stern and his wife Shoshana, including Channel Hotels &Properties controlled by David Kirch, who has been building up a stake in Newport Holdings.
RICS plots Italian jobs
The RICS is expected to sign a mutual recognition agreement with the 80,000-strong Italian institution Consiglio Nazionale Geometri at MIPIM. The agreement will allow RICS members access to the regulated Italian market and offer the RICS qualification to CNG members. The RICS will open a Rome HQ office for RICS Italia later this year.
Weston moves to Brixton
Paul Weston, former development director at Gazeley Properties, has joined Brixton as director of development and lettings. He will work alongside investment director Paul Reid.
Rapleys brushes up portfolio work
Paint producer Akzo Nobel has appointed Rapleys to manage its entire 2.25m sq ft, 160-property portfolio. Rapleys and Akzo Nobel refused to comment on the value of the three-year deal, but it is thought be worth over £200,000 pa in fees.
Boots dispenses leasehold deal
Boots Properties has appointed Nelson Bakewell Corporate Real Estate to manage its 100-strong non-trading leasehold portfolio – mostly retail and off-site storage – across the UK and Ireland.
Watson joins EA Shaw
Graham Watson has joined EA Shaw’s Covent Garden, Midtown and Soho team as senior surveyor dealing with office agency and development. He previously worked at Farebrother and at DE & J Levy. EA Shaw agency head Charlie Killen said: “Graham’s experience will be of huge benefit to the team.”
Former JLL staff waltz again
Key members of the JLL Vienna office that was closed last year have set up a new firm. Dr Max Huber & Partners has been set up in partnership with local agent Dr Max Huber. Run by Huber and the former head of JLL Vienna, Richard Lemon, it has joined the ATIS Real network.
Capita targets military property
Support services group Capita Property Consultancy plans to start a defence division dealing with the UK’s £25bn defence sector. Called Capita Defence, it is streamlining Capita’s existing management contracts, including a £24m dormitory development for Defence Estates, a £10m office at High Wycombe, and a £18.5m project at RAF Mildenhall.
Industrial space supply grows
Availability of industrial floorspace in December 2001 rose to nearly 16.5m m2. This is 21% higher than figures recorded 12 months ago, according to King Sturge research.
Minster House revamp
REIT Asset Management has announced a refurbishment scheme for Minster House, Mincing Lane, EC3. The building will provide 21,000 sq ft (1,951m2) of offices. Knight Frank and BH2 are advising.
