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Expert overviewJohn East reflects on the unique challenges he faces working in Central London

Central London is an exciting place to work. It can be challenging, but it’s the complexities and nuances that make it so interesting. Effectively, you’re working with boroughs, which all have slightly different policies. In addition, you’re not just dealing with them, but also with the Greater London Authority and emerging policies that often get their first outing in the capital. In many parts of the country local authorities are receptive to schemes, because it means regeneration, but Central London boroughs often have higher expectations. That means we have to work harder to persuade them of the merits of development. Planning issues are often complex and political, but we want to provide thoughtful, straightforward solutions that simplify the planning process for clients. Being part of Savills is useful; it means we can offer a full range of property expertise.

While we’re commercially driven, an area where we’re different from other companies is that we’ve significant ex-local authority experience, often at a senior level. This is particularly valuable in the current climate where boroughs are stretched in terms of resources and have high staff turnovers. It means we know exactly who to contact and how best to approach them. We believe we can secure the best deal for our clients by trying to work with local authorities and have found this to be successful in progressing some of the fantastic schemes with which we’ve been associated.

The Club at the Ivy

What should you do with four floors of prime London real estate located above one of the capital’s most famous restaurants? This was the enviable question facing entrepreneur Richard Caring’s Caprice Holdings when the company, which operates eight of London’s most famous restaurants, moved from offices above The Ivy to new premises.

Caprice settled upon a scheme to convert its former offices, as well as two flats, by opening an invitation-only members’ club. From the outset, Savills’ Central London Planning Consultancy Team worked on Caprice’s behalf, recommended by top property lawyer David Cooper. “Our perspective was that Westminster City Council has a trenchant policy against new entertainment uses in Central Westminster,” says Mike Derbyshire, of Savills. “We started a lengthy dialogue with the planning officers and members of the planning committee and tackled specific issues. Opposite The Ivy on Lichfield Street, there’s a block of Peabody Trust housing association flats. Westminster Council is especially sensitive over the potential impact of the capital’s nightlife on its residents.

“We did freedom of information checks and we could prove there’s never been one complaint about The Ivy since it’s been opened – and that’s litter, noise, nuisance, whatever,” says Derbyshire. Savills also helped to get police support, in particular by explaining measures to control paparazzi outside.

After nine months, the plans for ‘The Club at The Ivy’ were considered, but planning committee members weren’t happy with the entrance to the club being opposite the Peabody flats. “We compromised by moving the access round the corner to West Street,” says Derbyshire, “facing a commercial block and the Windmill Theatre.” In April 2007, permission was granted, with extended opening hours. Derbyshire has no doubts the club, due to open this summer, will be something special, its libraries and reading rooms giving it a unique atmosphere distinct from the restaurant.

Corporate Liason Services

Savills is delighted to announce the launch of Corporate Liaison Services, a new department dedicated to housing professionals who have been relocated to work in London.

Headed by Victoria Palau, who, with over 22 years’ experience in the prime Central London lettings market, is able to fully understand the housing requirements of relocating employees. Working closely with human resources and property departments, she also has at her disposal access to rental properties and new-build sites through the extensive Central London Savills network. So, irrespective of whether the brief is for a top-end property for a CEO, or a more affordable home for a new recruit, Corporate Liaison Services will be able to assist. The team also offers a one-stop solution to tenants and can arrange removals, furniture (purchase or hire), interior design, cleaning/laundry and an introduction to concierge services.

“Relocating staff is an arduous and distracting task,” comments Palau. “Corporate Liaison Services has been designed to take away all the hassle and help your employees settle quickly.”

As an example, recently the human resources department of an international investment bank required accommodation for a dozen employees. One exclusive Savills account handler liaised with the company’s Central London offices to co-ordinate the project and all were housed with minimum fuss.

“This was interesting and challenging as it involved housing employees at different managerial levels with vastly different requirements, ranging from a standard one-bedroom flat at £400 per week to an executive flat on a premium lease at £1200 per week,” says Palau.

Contact: Victoria Palau
+44 (0)20 7824 9005
vpalau@savills.com