Midtown magic

How Midtown is winning a place in the popular imagination

Bounded by the West End to one side and the City to the other, Midtown has historically been overshadowed by its neighbours, never quite enjoying a distinct identity of its own. What associations there are tend to be rooted in the past, rather than the present day. Holborn and Chancery Lane are traditionally associated with the legal profession. Fleet Street remains synonymous with the national press, even though most have long since moved away. The Strand borders 'Theatreland' to one side and the river to the other.  

The new century has seen a marked change. New types of business are moving in. Hotels are opening up. Retail and leisure is becoming more diverse. The area has a new name that has already become part of The Knowledge for London's black cab drivers. Just jump in and ask for Midtown.

Our portfolio here extends from Arundel Great Court| south of the Strand to 76 Shoe Lane| in Holborn. But the real heart of the cluster is New Street Square|. If anything captures the new spirit of Midtown, it is this spectacular development, including over 90,000 square metres of office space. It spans five new buildings, linked by a beautiful open square full of greenery and water features and lined with stylish shops, cafés and restaurants. The effect is to create a dynamic new community space in the heart of Midtown, as well as restoring the traditional pedestrian routes that once characterised the site, but were lost in the Blitz.

New Street Square| is just the beginning. We are intrigued by the possibilities for bringing new businesses into the area, capitalising on its strategic position in the heart of London. Arundel Great Court| in particular is rich with possibilities. Meanwhile, 76 Shoe Lane| offers 11,500 square metres of commercial space with spectacular views from the upper floors.

Every decade, one or two London districts emerge as the ones to watch, whether it's the South Bank and Docklands in the eighties, or Farringdon and Clerkenwell in the nineties. Since 2000, Midtown has been heralded as the bright new thing. The next decade will see that promise fulfilled.