When I was asked if I wanted to offer some reflections for Pride month, it made me think about how I feel now, compared to when I started in the industry ten years ago. But I realised that I did not want to make this a serious blog about my thoughts on what the industry still needs to do – because I honestly believe that overall, we are doing ok. Yes, there is still lots to do in the industry in terms of acceptance and diversity as a whole. But that will continue to take time; and we are fortunate the industry now has some incredible leaders who identify as LGBTQ+ (and allies) to continue the progression.

So instead, this Pride month I wanted to shine the light on a number of queer owned shops, restaurants and venues in our capital city that offer safe spaces for all the LGBTQ+ communities; at a time when, for some, it is needed more than ever.

These operators not only help curate amazing retail and hospitality concepts that diversify our high streets and neighbourhoods. They also proudly offer a safe space, support some amazing LGBTQ+ charities; and provide a place where everyone can be celebrated for who they are.

Rainbow flags are not just a trend’. They fly all year round. And I feel lucky to live in a place where as part of my work, I see spaces dedicated to celebrating my community every day.

That’s certainly something that makes me feel proud.

10 LGBTQ+ London Favourites:

Boys Boys Boys, Fitzrovia: A gorgeous gallery cafe. www.boysboysboys.org

Toad Bakery, Camberwell: LGBTQ+ owned bakery. https://www.toadbakery.com/

Bethnal Greens Working Mens Club, Bethnal Green: Nightclub/Bar. https://www.workersplaytime.net/

Gay’s the Word, Russell Square: The oldest LGBTQ bookshop in the UK, opened in 1979!  https://www.gaystheword.co.uk/

Earl of East, multiple locations: LGBTQ+ owned lifestyle brand. www.earlofeast.com

La Camionera, Hackney: Lesbian bar. www.lacamionera.com

The Old Nun Head, Nunhead: Super fun gay pub where all are welcome. https://www.theoldnunshead.co.uk/

Bistrotheque Restaurant: Hackney LGBTQ+ owned destination with regular events and Queer acts. www.bistrotheque.com

Feminist Library, Peckham www.thefeministlibrary.co.uk

Queer Britain Museum, Kings Cross: History of LGBTQ+ in Britain https://queerbritain.org.uk/

Main image: Fitzrovia Gallery Cafe Boys boys boys.

Second image: Toad Bakery

This month’s Spotlight is about the iconic St Christopher’s Place – focusing on the leasing strategy that has increased footfall by 8% in the last quarter.

This buzzing enclave and historic piazza opposite Selfridges need no introduction.  St Christopher’s Place’s unique mix of innovative F&B and quirky boutiques – set adjacent to major global brands of Oxford St -has made it both a regular drop in for Londoners and a must-visit for tourists alike.

Bruce Gillingham Pollard has been appointed by landlord Columbia Threadneedle for 5 years as sole leasing agents, handling leasing across retail and F&B alongside the retail lease consultancy. This comprehensive service line allows us to take a holistic approach to our leasing strategy, offering well rounded advice to benefit the whole Estate.

So how has the leasing strategy of this iconic destination ensured St Christopher’s Place maintains its position in an increasingly competitive marketplace?

Give people reasons to visit throughout the day.

This was one of our key objectives when we were first instructed – create multiple reasons to visit. Grab a coffee from Ole & Steen as you pass by, hold a lunchtime meeting at Sunday In Brooklyn or treat yourself to an early evening manicure at Nail Luxury before meeting friends in Harry’s Bar.  When you create a dynamic blend of tenants driving footfall at different periods of the day –  you end up with consistent visitor numbers throughout the day, seven days a week.

Create a ‘one-stop’ location for office workers.

The opening of the Elizabeth Line, coupled with a post-covid increase in demand for centrally located office space, has driven strong demand from office occupiers in the West End, including those offices on the Estate.  By focusing on offering a range of amenities for the immediate office catchment – with boutique offerings including Adam Grooming Atelier, Angelique Wine House, Morena and Nail Luxury – the local office worker catchment can fulfil their ‘life admin’ thoughout the working day at St Christopher’s Place.

Create a unique identity with a blend of innovative independents and anchor brands.

Classic British hatmakers Christy’s and Carolina Wong Jewellers set alongside Whistles and L’Occitane has built a unique character for the retail at St Christopher’s Place, while simultaneously providing a range of price point. This selection of unique brands clustered together develops a point of difference, giving St Christopher’s a unique identity.

Prioritise UK market customers over tourists. 

Despite proximity to Selfridges and Oxford St and their large tourist footfall, we were clear that targeting domestic footfall should take priority in the F&B mix in St Christopher’s Place. By focusing on great London F&B brands such as Bao, Bone Daddies, Bar Kroketa and Flat Iron, we can rely on robust trading regardless of tourism trends. At this same time, this strong focus on London talent appeals to our international visitors who are drawn to the very best restaurants in London.

Current Opportunity:

We have a 4,000 sq ft. town house opportunity trading over 4 levels. This space may suit a retailer looking for treatment rooms, or a restaurateur looking for private dining or event space.

We are also seeking a healthy grab and go lunch operator to serve the immediate office catchment, in a unit of @ 1,000 sq.ft.  This is a key priority for an opening in January 2025.

As we look back on 2023, we are proud to reflect on a year of remarkable achievements in the national market for Bruce Gillingham Pollard’s National Team. From casual dining powerhouses Five Guys and Yo Sushi to innovative concepts such as Townhouse Nails and Sixes, we have positioned a diverse range of exciting brands to take flight in new locations across the UK.

Highlights include:

• Leasing prime locations in Westgate, Oxford and St James Quarter, Edinburgh to Flight Club’s immersive social darts experience.
• Introducing the vibrant flavours and sleek aesthetics of EL&N to Birmingham’s Bullring and Edinburgh’s St James Quarter.
• Helping to bring the second F1 arcade in the UK – and the first outside London – to Paradise in Birmingham.
• Acting for Capital Karts – soon to create the longest and fastest indoor Go-Karting track in the Midlands at Star City set to open Summer 2023.
• Delivering the award winning VR gaming experience Sandbox at Birmingham’s Grand Central.

We are so gratified by the ongoing trust of our clients, and hugely proud to have been instrumental in shaping the urban landscape with such a varied and innovative range of occupiers. With a wide range of exciting projects in the pipeline, we can’t wait to see what new heights we can scale in 2024!

#property #lettings #success #newdeals #expansion #dining #retail #whatBGPdo

Hammerson has signed the world’s most advanced virtual reality experience, Sandbox VR, as part of its vision to diversify the use of Grand Central in the heart of Birmingham and an ambitious strategy to reinvigorate its assets through new brands, entertainment, and experiential concepts.

The 13,000 sq ft unit – set to open this summer – is the brand’s third in Europe and largest to date. This signing supports Sandbox VR’s plans to expand across the UK and Ireland, while elevating the experiential offer at Hammerson’s Bullring & Grand Central, in-line with the wider evolution of the destination.

Taking group virtual reality gameplay and competitive socialising to the next level, Sandbox VR creates a truly immersive experience within exclusively designed interactive worlds, making players feel like they are living inside a game or a movie. The unmatched adventure is powered by a new generation of Hollywood motion capture cameras, 3D precision full-body trackers, custom hardware and haptic feedback suits, enhancing the touch, vibration, and motion senses for the user.

Bruce Gillingham Pollard (BGP) advised Sandbox VR on the letting. BGP associate director, Harry Cody-Owen, added “Following the successful opening of Sandbox at its London location in July, we are delighted to have also advised on Sandbox’s second UK venue. They add to the brilliant line-up of best-in-class leisure with Toca Social and Lane 7 both expecting to open in summer. I have no doubt Sandbox will be a huge success and I having played the games myself; I know the people of Birmingham will be equally blown away.”

Alongside its ground-breaking gameplay, Sandbox VR Birmingham is set to include the brand’s much-loved robotic bartender ‘Toni’. Shaking, stirring and serving up to 80 drinks per hour, Toni adds another unique experience to Grand Central’s unmatched hospitality and leisure offering.

The Portman Estate has appointed Bruce Gillingham Pollard as advisers for retail, restaurant and leisure property on its 110-acre estate in London’s Marylebone. The instruction encompasses leasing agency and also lease consultancy across the Estate’s Portman Marylebone retail portfolio.

Bruce Gillingham Pollard Director, Charlotte Roberts, commented: “The Portman Estate already provides one of the most interesting variety of places to shop, eat and drink in London. From the increasingly stylish offering on Chiltern Street through to the network of streets and mews around Portman Square, new developments and initiatives being brought forward by the Estate continue to set Marylebone apart as a leading destination for independent retail and unique consumer experiences.

“We’re enormously excited about working with The Portman Estate to further elevate the location through introducing new brands and raising awareness of all that it has to offer.”

The Portman Estate recently became the first Estate to gain B CORP™ certification joining the global movement of trailblazing businesses who meet the highest standards of corporate social responsibility and make a positive contribution to people, communities and the environment. The certification is a designation that a business is meeting excellent standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.

Tom Knight, Portfolio Director at The Portman Estate, added: “We are committed to proactively curating the retail and leisure offering across The Portman Estate to further establish Marylebone as a vibrant destination of choice for all.

“We are looking forward to working with BGP to further evolve the personality and quality of our independent retail and leisure partners across Portman Marylebone.”

BGP has appointed Lizzie Knights as a director in its Central London leasing team.

Formerly with Colliers and BNP Paribas Real Estate, Lizzie has extensive experience of working on retail and leisure leasing across prime London locations including Grosvenor’s Mayfair and Belgravia estates; Shaftesbury’s Soho and Carnaby holdings; Argent’s Coal Drops Yard at King’s Cross; and Leadenhall Market in the City of London.

BGP managing director, Tracey Pollard, said “Lizzie is an expert in curating retail portfolios to deliver best-in-class brands and occupier mixes.

“Her previous experience is aligned to the growing number of prime instructions on which BGP is instructed across London.”

Lizzie has worked with a wide variety of brands to secure their first London sites, including HURR, Colourful Standard, Senturion and Aime Leon Dore.

She said: “I’m very much looking forward to being involved in projects such as MARK’s Borough Yards development, St Christopher’s Place for Columbia Threadneedle, and also continuing working with Grosvenor in Belgravia and Mayfair”.

Last week we launched our third retail store on Oxford Street to market. An interesting time for the street when in the same week, the first kiosk & trading pitch has been de-designated from the public realm. This alongside the repositioning of the department stores, arrival of Crossrail & investment into the public realm makes for a location of huge opportunity & growth.