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.

The club and nursery brings a Mediterranean-inspired family paradise to Parsons Green, following the successful launch of Jaego’s House in Kensal.

Attached to the family club will be Parson’s House Nursery, an Ofsted registered nursery for little ones aged 3 months to 5 years.

Little Houses Group provide children with a place to play and parents a place to work, workout and unwind. Jesse’s House will include a jungle Gym & Soft Play, Kids’ Club, and outdoor playground as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Plans are already in place to further expand the Little Houses family; we are constantly working on expanding into neighbourhoods and communities that will benefit from an accessible and exciting space for families.

Please send further opportunities to Jamie Orme who acts exclusively on behalf of our client Little Houses Group.

Matt Paulson – Ellis and Liv England acted on behalf of the landlord, London Metric PLC.

If you have had enough of health food, gym classes and no wine, a trip to Alain Ducasse “ Le Chocolat” at Borough Yards will lift your January blues.

A wonderful range of chocolates are set within a beautifully crafted shop, and whilst it already looks so inviting, the store will soon get even better, as it’s extended to include an in-store kitchen area, which will show case the production of both chocolate and ice cream. # experiential retail.

For more information about available retail shops at Borough Yards, please contact Lizzie Knights, Tracey Pollard or our joint agents CBRE.

Bruce Gillingham Pollard have acted on behalf of Ted’s Grooming Room in the acquisition of their new location, 283 Fulham Road, London. This is the second West London location for the prestigious barbershop brand, in addition to their establishment on 136 Kings Road, Chelsea. Ted’s Grooming Room combines traditional Turkish grooming services with a sophisticated English aesthetic, offering a prestigious barber experience for their clientele. The opening of this store on Fulham Road continues the success story that is Ted’s Grooming Room, with some 20 stores now operating across London.

Delighted to report Dan completed the 100km Race to the Stones on Saturday! A pretty hot day for running and added to that a few injuries along the way but he got it done!  Amazing achievement.

Dan is raising money for the NSPCC.  If you would like to donate his Just Giving details are below:

https://lnkd.in/egUStdP4

Check out Dan’s run on Strava:

https://strava.app.link/5iN2di4Bzrb

We are looking for ambition, drive and enthusiasm. From day one, you will have exposure to some of the UK’s most influential landlords, property companies and retailers. We are looking for a talented person who can be part of our energetic team and help shape our business over the long term.

We offer full APC support with three employees currently undertaking their APC and an excellent track record of seven graduate employees passing their APC.

We are seeking individuals with the following attributes:

• Energy and determination to succeed
• Passionate about retail and leisure
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Confidence
• Ability to operate as part of a close knit te

HOW TO APPLY

If you believe you match the above criteria and have (or are predicted to have), an RICS Accredited Merit or 2:1 degree, please forward your CV to layla@brucegillinghampollard.com.

We will consider graduates and also those part way through their APC training.

Please also attach a covering letter explaining why you would want to be part of Bruce Gillingham Pollard and what you feel you could bring to the company. The deadline for receipt of all applications is 5th May 2022.

Competitive socialising and leisure is something we have discussed over the years in previous trends and we’ve been delighted to see this continue to grow across the UK with the likes of Hollywood Bowl and their most recent brand Puttstars.

Given the last 20 months consumers (maybe even more than ever) are looking for ways to socialise, an experience outside of your own four walls!

Hollywood Bowl Group is the UK’s tenpin bowling market leader, with more than 60 successful sites across the UK, and listed on the main market. Most recently Nick Goodman secured 21,000 sq.ft for Hollywood Bowl at Preston’s Animate.

Both Hollywood Bowl and Puttstars continue to look for new sites of 18,000-25,000 sq.ft nationwide. Please speak to Nick Goodman for all enquiries.