Memorandum submitted by Argent Estates
Ltd
Argent is one of the best respected and best
funded property development businesses in the UK. Our projects
over the past 2 decades have included:
— The much acclaimed Brindley place
development in Birmingham, which comprises 1.6 million square
feet of mixed use development, including 2 new civic squares for
Birmingham surrounded by British Waterways canals on two sides.
Our work with British waterways involved the installation and
upgrading of a number of bridges, major tow path improvements
and legal agreements enabling access to the canal. This relationship
was professional collaborative and successful . . . and still
is as we own and manage the estate.
— Nine major corporate head quarter
buildings in the Thames Valley.
— Major developments in the city centre
of Manchester, 2 in joint venture with the City council, including
offices, hotel, residential and retail space.
In 2000 Argent was selected as the developer
for the 67 acres of railway lands between and to the north of
King's Cross and St Pancras stations, which following the completion
of "High Speed One" in November 2007, is now ready for
development. This land is bisected by British Waterway's Regent's
Canal.
The railway lands at King's Cross present one
of the UK's most important regeneration opportunities and as the
surrounding hinterland contains some of the most socially challenging
communities within London, the major stakeholders have a huge
responsibility to work together to help improve the whole area.
British Waterways has been very active in progressing
the regeneration and sustainability agenda for this corridor and
have entered into a commercial arrangement with us which will
now enable significant investments to be made to the canal environment
and surrounding hinterland both by them, others and ourselves.
We found their agenda to be clear, focused and
justified. We found their thinking precise when required but lateral
when useful.
We are now gearing up to commence construction
works in a few months and are looking forward to a long and productive
relationship.
Roger Madelin, Joint Chief
Executive
Argent Estates Ltd
February 2008
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