Belgravia based developer Oakvest committed to restoring Grosvenor Gardens to its former glory

Walk just a few minutes west from one of London’s busiest terminuses, Victoria train and coach station, and you’ll find Grosvenor Gardens.

This triangular oasis in the midst of SW1 is rather a hidden gem with grand 18th and 19th century, ornate buildings lining two flanks and the charming Grosvenor Garden forming a central focal point. Occupying a prime location in the City of Westminster, Grosvenor Gardens is a mere stone’s throw from the iconic Westminster Cathedral, the Victoria Palace Theatre, Cardinal Place shopping centre and luxurious Tophams Hotel.
 
And it is in this hotspot that top Belgravia developer, Oakvest, is situated and the location of two of their most successful projects to date as well as the home of their exciting new venture for 2013.
 
Acquired in 2005, 42–44 Grosvenor Gardens comprises two buildings on this prestigious terrace. Working alongside their in house project management and interior design team at Medici, Oakvest transformed the previously dilapidated serviced offices at 42-44 into Grade A commercial space. With raised access floors, full VRV comfort cooling throughout, new core (incorporating lifts with increased speed and capacity), stair core and wash rooms, the buildings set the rental standard for Victoria when they were let.
 
Following the successful redevelopment and subsequent sale back to Grosvenor Estates, the classic stucco fronted property 46-48 Grosvenor Gardens was purchased by Oakvest and once again fully refurbished into over 16,600 sq ft of contemporary Grade A office space.
 
Commenting on the transformation, Oakvest Founder Mark Holyoke, said:
 
“42–44 and 46-48 Grosvenor Gardens were in need of serious attention both internally and externally when we acquired them. Being such iconic buildings, the sympathetic restoration of the 19th century facades was of great importance to us with over £2.4 million being spent on these works alone. Yet whilst one eye was on preserving the past, we also looked to the future adopting a modern and fresh interior designed to meet the requirements of the most discerning occupier.”
 
In fact such was the high appeal of 46-48 Grosvenor Gardens that the property was sold earlier this year for an undisclosed sum to the same Russian millionaire who purchased the £13 million Rolex Retail Unit at One Hyde Park, London. 
 
Now, honouring their on-going commitment to restoring Grosvenor Gardens to its former glory, Oakvest have purchased Grosvenor Gardens House, the stunning mansion block, located across the gardens from 42-44 and 46-48.
 
Due for full restoration and redevelopment from commercial office space to first class serviced apartments by Oakvest in conjunction with Medici in 2013, Grosvenor Gardens House is based on the Continental idea of ´Hôtel meublés´ (furnished hotel). The iconic mansion was built in the late 18th century, with the frontage designed by Thomas Cundy III and is reputedly the house where the Queen Mother was born.
 
Respectful as ever of the building´s heritage, extensive research has been undertaken by Oakvest and a responsible planning application submitted to restore the mansion block with £7 million alone allocated for the façade. For more information on Oakvest´s completed projects and indeed Grosvenor Gardens House please call 0207 811 3855 or visit http://www.oakvest.co.uk/.