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A three and a half year assignment for one of the four National Academies of the UK. The Academy
of Medical Sciences had outgrown their existing premises and needed new long-term, prestigious
headquarters for their 25 academic staff and 900 Fellows. I led an in-house project team and acted as
the Academy�s Client Representative, reporting to a Property Steering Group chaired by the Academy�s
President.
Shortly after my appointment an opportunity arose to acquire long leases on peppercorn rentals for three
adjoining properties in Portland Place by way of a merger with another charity. The buildings were in
substantial need of repair having been occupied since the Second World War with little recent investment.
Key elements of the work:
- The acquisition of the property leases by way of a charity merger and transfer of assets � due diligence,
interim management, staff redundancies, managing the formal closure of one of the charities and the
sale of surplus property and antiques
- Project managing a fully fund-raised �5m refurbishment � preparation of the client brief, feasibility
studies, project costings, assisting with funding bids, refurbishment and fit out
- The conception and implementation of income-generating activities within the new building �
marketing and subletting surplus office space, setting up a conference and catering business
- Setting up building management systems and support services contracts, recruitment of the facilities,
conference and catering teams
- Relocation of the Academy staff to their new headquarters.
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