Macfarlanes advises Guy's and St Thomas' Charity on prime London commercial property acquisition
15 January 2015Macfarlanes has advised Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity on the acquisition of the head lease of Becket House, a 146,000 sq ft office building opposite St Thomas’ hospital, for £112m.
As the existing freeholder, the Charity’s acquisition is a strategic move which will help facilitate the regeneration of the area around St Thomas’ hospital.
The property will form part of the Charity’s significant property portfolio within its endowment. The returns from the Charity’s endowment help fund its charitable programmes and enable it to invest over £20m every year in health and care in Lambeth and Southwark.
The Macfarlanes team was led by partner Charles Horsfield, supported by senior solicitor Nick Barnes and solicitor Laurie Fletcher on the real estate side. Planning advice was provided by senior solicitor Hayley Cole and environmental advice by consultant Nigel Price. Senior solicitor Elizabeth Wilson advised on the tax aspects of the transaction.