The Crown Estate has re-appointed Purcell Miller Tritton to the exclusive role of “custodian” with a five year remit to provide conservation monitoring on some of the highest valued and prized property assets in Europe.
The portfolio for which Purcell Miller Tritton are responsible covers the estates of Regent's Park, Kensington Palace Gardens and the Commercial estates of St James’s, including Lower Regent Street and Piccadilly. Under a previous agreement the practice has also undertaken major restoration and refurbishment projects for The Crown Estate at St John’s Lodge, the American Ambassador's Residence at Winfield House in Regent's Park, and the Finnish Ambassador's Residence on Kensington Palace Gardens.
The commission lasts for the next five years and ranges from directly advising lessees to providing sustainability advice to the Estate on the maintenance and preservation of historic buildings. Many of the buildings in The Crown Estate portfolio are either Two Star or Grade One listed buildings and have special historic significance.
Chris Betts, the partner at Purcell Miller Tritton who is responsible for The Crown Estate commission, said, “We are delighted and proud to be re-appointed to this position as custodians. The role requires the skill set of a practical architect but also the ability to marry the needs of the modern lessee with The Crown Estate’s historical imperative. It is challenging but fascinating work.”
He went on to add, “Specifically, the position has the responsibility to safeguard the fabric and character of the distinguished buildings whilst enabling the residents to enjoy the comfort and convenience of contemporary living.”
The breadth of advice given by Purcell Miller Tritton is quite diverse, from assessing work on iron balconies through to the complete refurbishment of buildings and possibly the construction of an underground swimming pool or media centre.
“We work closely with the managing agents for The Crown Estate, and all changes, renovations or alterations go through a strict approval process,” he went on to add. “Having said that, it is our role to find a solution to any issues that meets the need of all the parties involved.”
Mark Goldspink, CEO of Purcell Miller Tritton, said, “Working on behalf of The Crown Estate, Chris and his team interact with some of the highest profile lessees in the world, in some cases billionaires or Global Corporations, who quite rightly expect to be able to adapt their living and working space to take advantage of modern technology and construction techniques. However, these needs must never take away or corrupt the historic value of this irreplaceable estate, and it is our job to ensure that we accommodate all parties. Our appointment for another five years is great news.”