CWM were originally appointed by Howard de Walden back in 1997 at a time when the Marylebone High Street itself had 15 vacant units and numerous charity shops whereby the key objective was to change the perception from a neglected, tired and run-down High Street. During this time, the High Street had been transformed with a number of high end and premium brands opening stores on the High Street and all helping to create the perfect community for the immediate residents and office workers and live and work there. Whilst there are a number of well known operators, the Marylebone Estate is also home to a number of niche and independent operators that all contribute to making the Estate a huge success.
Since CWM’s appointment, an eclectic mix of up-market retailers, quirky specialists and boutiques have been secured alongside some of the best cafes and restaurants and in London and today demand for both A1 and A3 properties is stronger than ever. The rebirth of Marylebone Village was confirmed when it won Time Out’s “Best High Street” Award in 2004.
Zone A rates increased from £45 Zone A in 1997 to £430 Zone A today. This is despite Landlords, Howard de Walden consistently turning down higher rental offers and demonstrating that with the right tenant mix, will in the medium term produce the highest rental growth.
Point of difference lettings have included Agnes B, Cologne & Cotton, Conran, Diptype, Skandium, Wolford, Ally Capellino, French Sole, Fresh, L’Entrecote, Aesop, The White Company, Theory, VV Rouleaux and Waitrose.
Other objectives across the Estate have included creating a food-led offer to a “Best in Class” tenant mix away from the retail led High Street environment on Moxon Street to build on the already very successful La Fromagerie and The Ginger Pig operators. Today Moxon Street is now also home to Aubaine, Rococo Chocolates, Gainsborough Flowers and Le Vieux Comptoir, as well as being home to the Sunday Farmers Market.