Our Services - Landlords and Owners - Case Studies

Cadogan House, Reading

The Challenge
Cadogan House had been bought for development, but a debt facility had been breached. The debt holder AEL properties wanted to recoup their investment and appointed Critchleys LLP as receivers. The client wanted to ensure an unconditional transaction was secured in a timely manner and required an agency partner that could quickly shortlist a competitive field of credible buyers.

The Solution
Campbell Gordon as the recognised market leader in the sale of office to residential conversions (under Permitted Development) in the Thames Valley were appointed to fully expose the building to the ‘PD’ market.

The Result
A number of attractive bids were secured with a competitive informal tender process, ultimately resulting in a sale agreed well in excess of the minimum price required.

Campbell Gordon did a first class job for us, we needed a reliable agency partner and they clearly know the PD market inside out. They navigated the pitfalls of a time critical sale, providing solid advice and guided the sales process to a great outcome.

Joe Harvey
Asset Manager, AEL Properties

Reading Bridge House

The Challenge
Reading Bridge House acquired in 2017. At the time there was a 43,000 sq.ft void across the building.

The Solution
Campbell Gordon were appointed to let the remaining space. Common parts were upgraded, including a significant overhaul of the café and the external entrance. The owners implemented a very proactive letting campaign at which Campbell Gordon were at the heart of.

The Result
Within 2 years all the remaining space was let, with a running void of nil across the building.

Campbell Gordon provided a 1st class office agency service. They stand out in 3 key ways. Firstly they are pro-active – they don’t just sit back and wait for applicants to land on their lap. Secondly they are reliable, if you ask them to do something they do it. And thirdly the quality of their advice, they understand how to navigate the market and secure the best possible commercial outcomes. I would certainly recommend their services to others.

Steve Pope
Group Director of Property and Asset Management - Topland

Ascot Business Park

The Challenge
Salmon Harvester Properties had developed Ascot Business Park from scratch. Campbell Gordon were appointed to sell the new office units to owner occupiers, or to let them on sufficiently attractive leasehold terms to drive investment sales. The demand for the industrial and workshop units was exceptional and delivered outstanding commercial returns. The nature of the office demand had some other characteristics and therefore a different campaign approach was required.

The Solution
A creative and energetic campaign was put in place in order to reach new potential purchasers and demonstrate the exceptional quality and unique opportunity a purchase of the units represented in the market, which is starved of small freehold units.

The Result
100% of the units have been let or sold, with most of the let units also now sold as income producing investments.

We have been delighted with the service we have received from Campbell Gordon. They have always been creative, diligent and persistent in chasing down all applicant enquiries and generating demand. They have been fundamental to our success, with all units now sold or occupied. We would certainly use their services again.

Pat Mahoney
Project Director - Salmon Harvester Properties Limited

Hodgson House, Chelmsford

The Challenge
To realise maximum value from the sale of an empty 13,000 sq.ft office building in Chelmsford, Essex.

The Solution
Campbell Gordon recognised the best value way to achieve this would be achieved by positioning the building as a residential redevelopment opportunity under Permitted Development Rights. They advised on the best way to approach the market in order to motivate and engage with the right buyers, and the achievable price. They navigated the disposal process in order to overcome false opportunities and technical constraints.

The Result
Maximum value was achieved in a short space of time. A plain speaking and successful commercial approach has led to a long term relationship with Warwick Capital.

Campbell Gordon has successfully delivered institutional quality leases for our rental portfolio as well as disposing of challenging assets at fair value in a timely manner. Excellent customer service and pragmatic advice is always provided, we would advise anyone transacting in the South East to consider their services.

Charles Brooke
Managing Partner, Warwick Capital

Thames Quarter

The Challenge
M&G's UK Residential Fund wanted to find a top quality BTR asset in Reading.

The Solution
Campbell Gordon were appointed to find the right investment opportunity. They sourced a number of off-market opportunities including Thames Quarter.

The Result
They engaged in the commercial negotiations with the disposal parties and ultimately secured the asset on a Forward Fund and Forward Purchase basis.

'The M&G UK Residential Fund is one of the largest in the sector having committed over £800 million to date. Our in-house research identified Reading as meeting our investment criteria given its strong employment and transport connectivity. We have as an organisation worked with Campbell Gordon for a long time and knew that they would be the right partner for us to find the best opportunities in this location. They did an excellent job unearthing and identifying a number of options, and pursuing them on our behalf with great persistence. This ultimately resulted in our forward fund and purchase of Thames Quarter, which at 315 units is one of the most significant build to rent schemes in the south East of the UK. Campbell Gordon's vigour and determination were key to achieving our commercial objectives and ultimately acquiring the interest. We remain highly acquisitive and Campbell Gordon are working with us to acquire further assets in the Thames Valley, London and elsewhere.'

Steve Hollands
Investment Manager

Centrix House, Newbury

The Challenge
Centrix House was a 10,000 sq.ft secondary office building in Newbury town centre which had been vacated by the tenant. Thames Properties wished to maximise the value from the asset. Their options included refurbishment and reletting, redevelopment or sale for residential conversion.

The Solution
Campbell Gordon advised on the market and the available returns, including in relation to a sale for residential conversion under Permitted Development Rights. They advised on the best method and strategy for the sale, including offering the car park as a separate lot in order to ensure that full value was extracted from all parts of the asset.

The Result
During the sale process there were a number of challenging events, which were predicted by Campbell Gordon and through which they provided important guidance and direction. Ultimately Campbell Gordon secured a sale in accordance with their ambitious prediction.

We were really pleased with the service we received from Campbell Gordon. They were spot on with their commercial advice right the way through and they were persistent and committed until we got over the line.

Simon Fruchter
Principal, Thames Properties

Alexander House, Kings Road

The Challenge
Investra own this secondary office building in Reading. The tenant was due to vacate and it appeared the prospects of finding another tenant were slim.

The Solution
Campbell Gordon were appointed to interrogate and report on the office market. It was clear that there would be no viable demand to support the continued use of this property as an office building. Their assessment was documented in a report which was used as part of the planning application process to seek permission for a wholesale residential redevelopment.

The Result
Campbell Gordon were able to show that there was no demand for offices in this location which supported the planning application for new build residential apartments. Planning consent was granted for 56 units in March 2017.

Campbell Gordon are recognised as the 'go to' office specialists in Reading. I wanted to understand our options with this asset, ie whether to refurb for continued office use or redevelop into a residential scheme. They gave very valuable market and development advice that aided our assessment and planning strategy and I would certainly use them again if I required similar advice in the future.

Gerald Bishop
Investment & Development Manager, Investra

No.1 Forbury Place

The Challenge
M&G Real Estate and Bell Hammer developed this 186,000 sq.ft of prime office building in Central Reading speculatively.They wanted to let it as soon as possible, and on the right commercial basis.

The Solution
Campbell Gordon were appointed as joint letting agents to find a tenant. The team had been in discussions with SSE about their potential office requirement for a long period of time and introduced No.1 Forbury Place to them. This was significantly earlier than their requirement became known in the wider market.

The Result
SSE leased the building in its entirety. Possession was taken at the point of Practical Completion of its construction, meeting precisely the client's timetable aspirations. The transaction was the largest single office letting in the Thames Valley for over a decade, and awarded 'Deal of the Year' by CoStar for the West London and Thames Valley region.

We have worked with Campbell Gordon for over 35 years. We appointed them on this project because of their uniquely strong position in the Reading prime office market and their strong track record. This decision was entirely validated by the success of the campaign. They did a first class job in securing this tenant and we are pleased to have retained their services again as we move on to the next stage of the development with the construction of No.2 Forbury Place.

Aaron Pope
Director - Asset Management & Leasing, M&G

Pitmans

The Challenge
Pitmans Solicitors required the services of an expert in the Reading commercial property market to assist in a major litigation case. The case required an intimate knowledge of the office market, including demand levels, pricing and occupier behaviour. The case was complicated and fast moving, so an expert was required who had substantial market knowledge, sophisticated analytical skills and could respond quickly.

The Solution
Keith Wise, Director at Campbell Gordon, was appointed. He identified the key issues, pulled together and analysed the data and made appropriate recommendations.

The Result
A satisfactory out of court settlement was reached, which drew on the evidence set out in the Expert Witness report.

Campbell Gordon have been around a long time and we knew they were well regarded. We knew Keith Wise was an experienced professional, so we approached him. It was definitely the right decision to appoint Keith. His commitment was total and his expertise and integrity helped us get a better result for our client. We had a great experience of the Campbell Gordon service and I am sure we would use them again should the need arise.

Sue O'Brien
Head of Dispute Resolution, Pitmans Solicitors

Mabey Group

The Challenge
Mabey Group had a number of property assets that were considered non-core following a strategic review, and were therefore surplus to requirement. These included property in Twyford, Walsall, Stratford upon Avon, St Albans and South Wales. The Group owned two properties in South Wales, including a 360,000 sq.ft industrial unit in Chepstow.

The Solution
Campbell Gordon provided advice and asset management services in relation to the disposal of these properties. This included disposal method, transactional and commercial strategies and appointment of suitable consultants.

The Result
Campbell Gordon oversaw the disposal of these assets, including the large industrial unit in Chepstow, delivering returns in excess of the targeted values.

I first used Campbell Gordon to advise on the sale of an office property with development land in Twyford. They provided a great level of service and good quality advice. Following this positive experience I have used their services to advise on a range of projects across the UK, from Liverpool to Wales. If we have a property where we need to get under the skin of its real long term value in investment or development terms, or where we need brokerage advice and services, I know that I can get in touch with Campbell Gordon and they will react quickly and get me the answers I need. I was particularly pleased with the disposal of our large factory site in Chepstow, it was a high value but unusual asset. It required sensitive handling, whilst remaining commercially robust, which Campbell Gordon achieved.

Kate Beauchamp
Group Chief Legal Officer

Theale Commercial Estate

The Challenge
Aviva owned Theale Commercial Estate, a 20 year old industrial estate on the outskirts of Reading. The value of the estate had been falling, this was in part because most of the units were in a poor condition and also because the unexpired terms of the let units were diminishing.

The Solution
Campbell Gordon were appointed to work with Aviva to maximise the value of the estate. They worked with the tenants to regear the leases and refurbish the units to a high standard.

The Result
New leases are now in place with 7 tenants, with 8 units having been refurbished and 5 due to be refurbished. As a result there has been a substantial increase in the value of the estate, enhancing performance for the fund.

We have used Campbell Gordon for many years to help maximise value in our industrial and office holdings in the Thames Valley. They offer a depth of knowledge about the dynamics of local occupier markets and bring tenacity and attention to detail to negotiations. Their advice is pragmatic and tailored to understand the investment management requirements of pension fund clients.

Richard Peacock
Assistant Fund Manager, Aviva Investors

Kebbell Homes

The Challenge
Kebbell Homes were looking for development sites. They were particularly keen to find a site in Chiswick following the successful development of other sites nearby.

The Solution
Campbell Gordon identified this 1.5 acre off-market through research. The site owners were approached and a ‘subject to planning’ sale was agreed.

The Result
Kebbell Homes secured planning consent for 9 very high quality homes and the site purchase completed.

We were delighted to get hold of this site. We like working with Campbell Gordon, we are currently working with them on a number of other sites, mostly in West London. They have an eye for a good site, an ability to ignite dialogues with site owners and the persistence to push through and make deals happen.

Dudley Mills
Land Development Director, Kebbell Homes

Bracknell & Wokingham College

The Challenge
The College had a mission; ‘To enable all learners to achieve their full potential’, underpinned by ‘Maximising Income and Business Efficiency..’. Defining and implementing the correct property strategy was considered an essential part of this mission, and required the right partner. Campbell Gordon were appointed as the property partner.

The Solution
Campbell Gordon worked with the College to define the objectives of the property strategy and to implement it. The College had too many sites and it was agreed that it was appropriate to consolidate these in order to save costs and realise value for re-investment in core operations. This included the sale of a campus property in Woodley to a church, a 2 acre site in Bracknell to a school and the adjoining 3 acre site for residential use to Cala Homes.

The Result
The College has been able to save costs and realise value for investment, enabling it to deliver on its long term educational objectives.

I have found Campbell Gordon’s ability to listen, understand and then advise to be of an extremely high value. They took time to really understand our needs, which is quite unusual. They have demonstrated a sensitivity and deftness of touch that has been critical in getting the very best outcome. At that same time I have found their persistence and tenacity to be of great value in driving the best possible commercial arrangements for the College. It has been a pleasure working with Duncan Campbell and the rest of the Campbell Gordon team. They clearly genuinely care about the quality of the service they provide. I would not hesitate to recommend their services to another party.

Campbell Christie CBE
Principal and Chief Executive

Beacontree Plaza

The Challenge
Beacontree Plaza is an office park in south Reading. The long leasehold interest is owned by the Freshwater Group. As a long term investor Freshwater wanted to have the ability to maximise value through redevelopment.

The Opportunity
Campbell Gordon recognised that there was an opportunity to promote the site for redevelopment as part of Reading Borough Council's consultations in preparation for their Site Allocations Document. Campbell Gordon were retained as development consultants, and working closely with the planning consultants and Freshwater Group, they made the case for a mixed use allocation for the land.

The Result
The Reading Sites and Detailed Policies Document has identified an area, which includes the Beacontree Plaza site, as an area for redevelopment over the long term. This may include residential, an extension to the local retail centre and small scale employment & community uses. No final decision has been made as to the allocations. There are no current plans to redevelop Beacontree Plaza.

Beacontree Plaza is a great little office park, and we are not intending to redevelop any time soon. However as a long term investor, with the site allocations effecting the planning decisions right up to 2026, we felt it was important to give ourselves the option for redevelopment if we think that is appropriate in the future. Campbell Gordon are always right on top of these things and spotted that there was a window of opportunity to make our case last year. They also have a knack for seeing how to get the most out of a piece of land so I am pleased to continue to have their advice through this process.

Andrew Thomson
Commercial Manager, Freshwater Group

Kronos House, Wokingham

The Challenge
Aberdeen Asset Management owned this 14,000 sq.ft secondary office in Wokingham. The occupier had decided to vacate and so the Fund instructed Campbell Gordon to assess the office letting prospects and alternative disposal strategies, including residential conversion through Permitted Development.

The Solution
Campbell Gordon assessed the market and showed that the letting prospects were poor, but that the demand from developers for conversion would be strong. The firm undertook a controlled disposal campaign to the right target audience in order to achieve the very best outcome.

The Result
The building was sold to a developer for residential conversion at a price significantly in excess of the benchmarked minimum value required.

I have worked with Campbell Gordon for many years, so I knew they understood this market well. They carried out a number of key tasks for us including an office letting campaign, planning support and ultimately the sale for residential conversion. We were delighted with the outcome and price achieved.

Matthew Cunliffe
Fund Manager

Apex & Hayley House, Bracknell (development)

The Challenge
Apex & Hayley House were secondary office buildings on London Road in Bracknell. It became apparent that with the excess supply of office buildings in the local Bracknell market the best way to maximise exit value from the assets was to secure a sale to a residential developer through Permitted Development Rights.

The Solution
Campbell Gordon were asked to conduct a marketing campaign and find a buyer who would pay the target price.

The Result
Campbell Gordon found the buyer and oversaw the transaction to completion.

Campbell Gordon worked hard over a long period of time to ensure we secured the optimum price for this asset. Their position and contacts in this market meant they were able to find the best buyer. They also had the skills and patience to overcome a number of challenging circumstances that arose, and marshal the transaction through to a successful completion.

Malcolm McPhail
Managing Director

Apex & Hayley House, Bracknell (letting)

The Challenge
Apex & Hayley House were secondary office buildings on London Road in Bracknell. The intention was to redevelop them or refurbish them , but in the interim it was essential to maximise revenue returns.

The Solution
Campbell Gordon were appointed as letting agents alongside joint agents. A number of marketing initiatives were put in place and tenants were secured.

The Result
The very best lettings possible were secured within the framework of the building’s specification and market conditions.

When we bought these buildings we knew they represented an interesting redevelopment play. In the meantime we wanted to maximise our return. We bought in Campbell Gordon because we knew they would be great advisers on both aspects. They have a great applicant flow, and are proactive ,persistent and conscientious – which makes them ideal agents. They are also creative lateral thinkers which makes them great development advisers.

Malcolm McPhail
Managing Director