Delancey and the LRC Group have completed the sale of the iconic Royal Mint Court site to the People’s Republic of China. The sale follows an unsolicited offer from the People’s Republic of China, who intend to transform the site into their new embassy.
Located on the edge of the City, overlooking the River Thames, and opposite the Tower of London World Heritage Site, Royal Mint Court occupies a high profile and historically significant location and comprises an extensive 5.4 acres on the former Royal Mint property. The freehold of the site was originally acquired on an off-market basis by clients of Delancey in June 2010 from the Crown Estate. The majority of the estate became vacant in early 2013, making it suitable for a wholesale major redevelopment/refurbishment, and in April 2015, a joint venture was finalised with the LRC Group. Planning consent was secured by the joint venture from Tower Hamlets in February 2017, for a comprehensive, architecturally ambitious refurbishment and part redevelopment, with permission to provide new retail and leisure accommodation, 1.8 acres of landscaped public realm, and 600,000 ft² of modern high specification office space, approximately 50% more net office space than the site currently has.
Paul Goswell, Managing Director at Delancey, said: “We are delighted with the People’s Republic of China’s decision to transform Royal Mint Court into their new London embassy. Delancey, along with its partner LRC Group, were fully committed to building out the office development, having spent the last four years designing the scheme in conjunction with Tower Hamlets and the GLA, both of whom have been constructive and supportive throughout the process. However, the scale of the buildings, coupled with the unparalleled history and large area of amenity and public realm, make it one of a kind in the City of London and undeniably perfect for the needs of a prestigious embassy. We wish the People’s Republic of China all the very best in their new London home.”
Yehuda Barashi of The LRC Group said: “With its striking historic buildings, combined with adaptable modern infrastructure, excellent accessibility to the City and the West End, and the listed wall dating back to circa 1810 which surrounds the site, we always knew that Royal Mint Court was special. Home to the Royal Mint from 1810, this landmark site has already helped to shape the economic future of the UK, and we are excited to see it evolve and move into its fitting new chapter with the People’s Republic of China”.
Delancey and LRC Group were advised by Mishcon de Reya, Knight Frank, BH2. Savills helped facilitate the transaction on behalf of Delancey and LRC. CBRE and Addleshaw Goddard advised the People’s Republic of China.
