Partners secure Whitgift stake
Westfield and Hammerson – acting jointly as the Croydon Partnership – have bought the Whitgift Trust’s 50% long-leasehold interest in the Whitgift Centre in Croydon, south London. The Whitgift Foundation retains the freehold of the 1.3m sq ft mall, but the pair will assume management responsibilities. The partnership now controls most of the land required for its 2m sq ft regeneration plan.
Equinox pumps up Park House
New York-based fitness company Equinox is taking its second London location at the State of Qatar’s Park House scheme on Oxford Street, W1, which completed in 2012. It has agreed a 25-year lease on 27,000 sq ft. It joins Elliott Advisors, which took 22,215 sq ft in 2013.
Staunton Whiteman launches
Hamish Whiteman and Nicholas Staunton have launched a retail investment agency called Staunton Whiteman. The pair collectively have more than 40 years’ experience in the sector, advising on £3bn of deals.
ABP only option for Albert Dock
Advanced Business Park was the only viable bidder for the 35-acre Royal Albert Dock development, E16, a Greater London Assembly committee heard this week. GLA executive director David Lunts dismissed allegations that the tender had been skewed in ABP’s favour when selection criteria were altered, effectively ruling out other shortlisted developers Muse and Wrenbridge.
Sadek joins UKTI
Jackie Sadek is to join the UKTI Regeneration Investment Organisation as chief strategy officer. The RIO was launched in November 2013 to direct investment into the £100bn pipeline of UK regeneration projects. Sadek has spent the past year working for minister for cities Greg Clark.
