“Bland and tired” former EMI HQ acquired
The former headquarters of music publishers EMI have been acquired by developers who plan to rejuvenate the site.
The 18-acre site known as the London Gate Business Park, in Hayes, Middlesex has been purchased by Cathedral Group and Development Securities. The firms have a created a joint venture called Purplexed LLP that has purchased the site from The Blackstone Group in an undisclosed cash deal. Plans for a £250m redevelopment programme are expected to be published in the near future.
The sprawling development was once home to record label EMI who had various manufacturing facilities alongside their head offices. During the 1960s, 14,000 people worked for EMI at the site.
The site (pictured – source) offers approximately 700,000 sq ft of floor space across a mix of new and old buildings, many of which are unoccupied.
John Robertson Architects have previously produced a master plan for the site. Number 1 London Gate was one of the first buildings to be developed in to speculative office accommodation. Rental prices at the building and at new buildings 2 and 3 are quoted at between £25.50 / sq ft and £27.50 /sq ft. The 7-storey Building 2 was completed in 2000 and offers approximately 286,000 sq ft of floor space.
The new owners are planning a complete renovation of the site. Richard Upton, Chief Executive, Cathedral Group plc said: “It’s time for a new approach to the bland and tired business parks West of London.”
Matthew Weiner, Executive Director, Development Securities plc commented: “The site in Hayes has enormous potential for growth and we look forward to seeing this project through to completion.”
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