Work, play, but not much rest
It has been a busy six months for London mayor Sadiq Khan and his team at City Hall – as is made clear by the Greater London Authority’s declaration of gifts and hospitality. While the mayor’s inventory includes such fun and games as tickets to the Proms, the Wimbledon men’s final and even three boxes of mangos, spare a thought for his hard-working deputy James Murray (pictured). Since starting in June, the deputy mayor for housing has received almost no gifts and been taken to only two events: one of which was the theatre production of Cathy Come Home. He has, however, attended 34 meals: including one breakfast, nine lunches, 21 dinners and even one “supper”. For those who think there might have been a few more relaxing interludes in that, think again: he went out for “drinks” just once. Oh, and for those interested in business as well as “pleasure”, the first in the door for the new deputy in June: Mishcon de Reya (and the LCA).
One to treasure?
Manchester United’s former star player Gary Neville continues to entertain off the pitch with his property development initiatives. Having faced forthright opposition to two skyscrapers proposed for his home city, Neville’s latest venture will see the opening of a Mahiki nightclub around the corner from the town hall. Just 11 years after the original Polynesian-themed club was opened in London’s Mayfair, Mancunians can now enjoy its famous £100 Treasure Chest cocktail on home turf. In typically pared-back style, Neville announced the new venture on Instagram with a photo of an exotic cocktail, saying: “Coming to Manchester.” We can only guess what cutting-edge establishment Neville might lure in next…
New edition
Over Christmas The Economist vacated its home of 52 years, 25 St James’s Street, SW1. The Grade II listed Economist Plaza will be redeveloped by Tishman Speyer and the magazine will move to Blackstone’s Adelphi, WC2. Unsurprisingly, there will have been few such well written eulogies to an office than that which appeared in the last edition to be produced in St James’s. Journalists at the “weekly newspaper that improbably decided to become a property developer” did not doubt their home’s architectural importance, nor the origin of the title’s coolly authoritative tone. The height of the 16-storey building gave the team “greater confidence in handing down Olympian judgments on world affairs”. But a questionnaire sent to staff asking what they wanted in a new building turned up some more prosaic requests – such as better bike sheds and yoga facilities. Above all, though, people said they wanted offices “much like the ones many have occupied for the past 50 years”. Plus ça change, as Economist columnist Bagehot might say.
Back and forthright
January is a time to make resolutions, property’s finest included. Head of real assets at Legal & General Bill Hughes is aiming to “remove the stabilisers on my roadbike, even though I keep falling off”, while Almacantar chief executive Mike Hussey is “focusing on investment fundamentals and giving up on retrospective market analysis. In other words: I’m going to drive my business looking out of the front windscreen, not the rear.” Wise words indeed.
New year cheers
The real estate industry can be rightly proud of its ability to put its hand in its pocket and dig deep for charity, writes Samantha McClary. This is why I have hijacked this spot to say a massive thank you to all those in the industry who once again helped me raise more than £5,400 for Coram and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award by sponsoring one of my crazy challenges. Read all about it (and maybe add a little more to the total) at www.samanthamcclary.wordpress.com.
