Principle praised for major property improvement project on historic Crown Estate in London

Principle Estate Management has announced the completion of major works at a highly prestigious London development administered by the firm’s London office.

York Terrace West and Nottingham Terrace is widely regarded as one of the finest addresses in Regent’s Park.

Principle’s most recent project on behalf of residents was the construction of a new, enlarged Porters’ Lodge in the centre of the estate.

The works were overseen by Principle consultant Bob Myhill who has been involved in the management of the development for 17 years.

Rachael Hornby, associate director and head of Principle’s London office, said: “We have in recent years been completing our five-year cycle of external decorations of the entire estate.

“The external redecoration programme was followed by complete refurbishment of the communal areas of Nottingham Terrace, incorporating new lighting, modern signage, new carpets and redecoration with bespoke wallpaper, reflecting the connection with Regent’s Park.

“Our most recent project – the new, enlarged Porters’ Lodge – was undertaken after consultation with the residents, and planning permission and Crown Estate approval were obtained. Construction was undertaken in the second half of 2023 and completed in early 2024.”

The new lodge has been brought forward to the pavement edge and has been designed to improve visibility for the Porters.

It accommodates the modern needs of the security and porterage team and Principle also used the opportunity to upgrade to fibre optic cabling, also renewing the entire CCTV monitoring and video entry phone access systems to all apartments.

The Grade I-listed York Terrace West is one of the original John Nash-designed terraces fronting the iconic green space of Regent’s Park.

Originally built in 1823, it was completely refurbished in 1970 at the same time as Nottingham Terrace was constructed.

A spokesman for York and Nottingham Terraces Management Ltd, said: “The new Porters’ Lodge and upgrades to the entire estate were needed to provide modern facilities, but with due regard to the surrounding history and aesthetics.

“We worked closely with Bob Myhill and Rachael Hornby to ensure the new, completed Porters’ Lodge was designed not to compete either with the historic York Terrace or the more modern Nottingham Terrace, but to blend in with oak slatting and a green roof.

“It has produced a highly satisfactory facility and the estate, under Principle’s astute management, is well maintained to a very high standard, as befits a property on the Crown Estate.”

Chris Green, commercial director at Bloomsbury Construction Group Ltd, which led contractors’ work on the project, said: “The Porters’ Lodge is a project we can all be proud of.

“Despite the fast-track programme duration, the project maintained high standards of design and sub-contractor coordination and integration.

“We formed a collaborative and forward-thinking relationship with Jak Studios, BlokBuild and other stakeholders to deliver a brilliant space that is visually stunning and environmentally conscious, yet highly functional for the Porters, and this will serve the estate for many years to come.

“We appreciate the support and quick decisions from Principle, which culminated in the successful delivery of this project.”

Mrs Hornby of Principle added: “One of the most rewarding aspects of property management is working with our clients and customers to see major works projects through to completion, especially when they improve facilities and amenities for residents.”