Seaborn named chairman of Westminster association
Hugh Seaborn, chief executive of the Portman Estate, has become chairman of the Westminster Property Owners Association. The formervice-chairman replaces Land Securities head of asset management Robert Heskett. Seaborn has been replaced by Great Portland Estates’ property director, Robert Noel.
Chelsfield gets W1 go-ahead
Chelsfield Partners has received planning permission for a 20,000 sq ft mixed-use scheme at 33 Grosvenor Street, W1. The office-led scheme will replace the former Malawi Embassy with 16,000 sq ft of offices and three flats fronting Three Kings Yard. The development is scheduled for completion by the end of 2009.
aAIM buys Clacton mall
aAIM with Essex-based developer Daren Burney has bought a 117,615 sq ft shopping village in Clacton for £4.85m – an 8% yield. The pair have bought the centre for their £400m vulture fund, Rom Capital Group. The 16-acre complex was a forced sale by Southern Outlet Centres. DTZ advised aAIM.
Chiswick lands bio letting
Biotechnology company Antisoma has taken 15,000 sq ft of offices at Building 5 in Chiswick Park, west London. Antisoma will move to the park – owned by Schroders, Arlington Property Investors and Stanhope – in May. Savills and Jones Lang LaSalle are the letting agents at Chiswick Debono acted for Antisoma.
Esporta up for grabs in cut-price deal
Private equity firms Mid-Ocean Partners and 3i are battling to buy fitness club Esporta in a cut-price deal. It has been put up for sale by administrator Grant Thornton and is expected to fetch £150m-£180m. Simon Halabi bought the chain for £476m from Duke Street Capital in 2006.
