Gap Between Mayfair and City Office Prices Widens
November 30, 2007 by Rob Powell
A new report by CB Richard Ellis has found that the difference in prime office space costs between the West End and the City is at its widest ever level . Within the West End, the headline figure is actually skewed upwards by two sub markets which demand prime rentals of £120.00 per sq ft – Mayfair and St James’s.
Prime rental costs in the City stands at only £65.00 per sq ft. The City faces competition from Docklands and new developments on the South Bank, whilst West End tenants are less likely to look at other areas. The research says “top prime rents of the West End are being driven by a relatively small number of tenants that have strong preferances for very specific locations in the West End”.
See Also:
Mayfair Serviced Offices
“Legible London” Scheme Makes Exploring Mayfair Easier
November 28, 2007 by Rob Powell
A new signage scheme called Legible London has been unveiled in Bond Street and nearby streets which aims to make exploring the area by foot a great deal simpler. As part of the pilot, 19 displays have been erected with useful location information which should help West End shoppers this Christmas.
The signs give the reader a quick sense of their bearings and help them to locate shops, hotels, landmarks, toilets, tube stations and other amenities. They also provide an audio commentary which can be accessed via a mobile phone.
The scheme is the result of a joint commitment by the Mayor of London, TfL, Westminster City Council and New West End Company to improve conditions and signage for pedestrians in the area.
The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, said: “Legible London is an important part of the work that is taking place to improve conditions for pedestrians in the Capital… The Bond Street trial delivers on the pledge I made last year to improve signage in the West End before this year’s Christmas shopping season.”
Find out more at Legible London
Mayfair Still “Super Prime” Location, Say Savills
November 27, 2007 by Rob Powell
A new survey by Savills – the global real estate firm – that tracks the finest suburbs in London has found that Mayfair is still regarded as a “Super Prime” location. Along St James’, Belgravia and Knightsbridge it has retained the same status as when the survey was last conducted, in 1989.
Whilst Mayfair has stayed the same, other areas such as Notting Hill have seen their status improve. Once considered as a “bad land” with near deprivation in the 1950s, Notting Hill now also enjoys Super Prime status.
Mayfair Library Reopens Tomorrow
November 25, 2007 by Rob Powell
Mayfair Library on South Audley Street reopens tomorrow (Monday 26th November) following a few weeks closure for essential building works.
Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester Scores 8/10 in Telegraph Review
November 24, 2007 by Rob Powell
Legendary French chef, Alain Ducasse’s new restaurant, Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester, has come under the reviewing eye of Mark Palmer from the Telegraph .
Palmer review says “this is a restaurant for dedicated followers of food fashion and people with deep pockets or on generous expenses… the food here lives up to its billing and should not be missed.”
Joan Collins Switches On Burlington Arcade’s Christmas Lights
November 21, 2007 by Rob Powell
Legendary star Joan Collins last night attended the Burlington Arcade to switch on their Christmas lights. Arriving in a horse drawn carriage, she wished the assembled throng of 600 guests a “very glamourous” Christmas before turning on the lights. She also accepted a cheque for £10,000 from the Burlington Arcade on behalf of the Variety Club, which helps sick, disabled and disadvantaged children in the UK.
Onlookers enjoyed mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and were handed treats from Father Christmas who took time out of his busy schedule to attend.
New Bond Street Dearest Place For Store Owners
November 18, 2007 by Rob Powell
In what is perhaps not a very suprising piece of news, ThisIsMoney.co.uk has reported that New Bond Street in Mayfair is the most expensive place in Britain to rent retail space.
Global property agent Cushman & Wakefield have detected an increase of 11% over the last year, which they put down to a number of new tenants designed to take advantage of spending power provided by the influx of wealthy Russian businessmen into the capital.
Claridge’s Hosts Spectator Awards
November 15, 2007 by Rob Powell
The Claridge’s Hotel in Mayfair has played host to the Spectator Political Awards 2007. In a ceremony attended by the great and the good of British politics, the following awards were announced:
Newcomer of the year: Nick Clegg
Inquisitor of the year: Michael Conarty
Peer of the year: Baroness Thatcher
Speech of the year: William Hague
Resignation of the year: Tony Blair
Minister to Watch: Liam Byrne
Marathon Man of the year: Ian Paisley
Campaigner of the year: Iain Duncan Smith
Parliamentarian of the year: Alex Salmond
Politician of the year: George Osborne
Find out more at the Spectator
“Motorcycle Raiders” Hit Bond Street Again
November 15, 2007 by Rob Powell
The Evening Standard yesterday reported that the string of robberies carried out by a gang on motorbikes has continued, with Ralph Lauren in Bond Street being the latest target.
The robberies are the latest in a spate of crimes aimed at high end retailers in affluent areas. The gangs – Police believe two may be in operation – have struck at least 35 times in six months.
Mayfair House Gives Encore Performance in “Capturing Mary”
November 12, 2007 by Rob Powell
Stephen Poliakoff’s “Joe’s Palace” was shown last week on BBC One and was a candidate for drama highlight of the year. It followed the story of billionare Elliot Graham (played by Michael Gambon), who kept a stunning Mayfair mansion empty because he was afraid to enjoy his inherited riches until he knew the source of his father’s income.
The stunning house looked to this eagle eyed observer like it was in Hill Street, Mayfair. Tonight the house will reappear in a second drama from Poliakoff, set in the same house but telling a different story from a different time. Maggie Smith will be sharing the limelight with the Mayfair mansion is what looks set to be another must-see drama.
“Capturing Mary”, BBC 2, Monday 12th November, 9pm