The downgrading of SMMT’s pomp continues. Having sold grand old Forbes House in Halkin Street near Welly Arch as a playboy mansion, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is acquiring more modern and modest office accommodation in London’s lobbying land.
Details remain confidential.
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However, we can disclose that it is equally convenient for the Department of Transport, the House of Commons and the London branch of the European Commission. It’s not bad for Westminster Abbey either should any of Britain’s motor moguls need to change into tails before the royal wedding in April. The street name begins with a G.
Contracts were exchanged last week and completion is expected within a couple of weeks. The place will be gutted and modernised so it will probably be June at least before the SMMT puts itself in packing cases for the trip down Grosvenor Place and Victoria Street.
Forbes House is also to get a very major makeover. What has been home for 80 staff is to become a town house for Aidan Barclay, the chief executive of the Telegraph group which was bought by his father and uncle.
The SMMT was paid GBP40m for the 47 remaining years of the Grosvenor Estates lease. The SMMT lived there for nearly 50 years.
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By GlobalDataRob Golding
See also:
EXCLUSIVE: SMMT sells Forbes House HQ
Bumps in the night at Forbes House
