Pictured above: Martyn Edwards and Tarquin Murray-Holgate of
Colliers International, with Michael Wyldbore-Smith (centre) of
Stratford Town Trust, outside The Garrick Inn, the oldest pub in
Stratford
The Birmingham office of property consultants Colliers
International has won the brief to manage Stratford-upon-Avon Town
Trust's £35m property portfolio.
The charitable organisation was set up in the sixteenth century
and granted a Royal Charter by Edward VI, nine days before his
death in 1553.
It boasts a varied portfolio of more than 100 properties, all in
Stratford-upon-Avon, including listed buildings such as 1 High
Street (Judith Shakespeare's home) and Mason's Court, Shrieves
House - England's most haunted site - the Boathouse on the River
Avon, land adjacent to Anne Hathaway's cottage and Stratford's
oldest public house, the timber-framed Garrick Inn.
Income generated from the portfolio is returned to the community
in the form of grants. Since 2001, 1,000 grants have been awarded
to local schools, community groups, arts organisations and
individuals.
Colliers International advised the Trust for six years but faced
competition from 18 other property consultants when the brief was
re-tendered under Charity Commission guidelines.
The firm will advise on acquisitions and disposals; development;
investment management; tenant relations, including rent collection
and rent reviews; facilities management and health and safety.
Colliers' investment property management team, headed by Martyn
Edwards, and commercial lease consultancy team, led by Tarquin
Murray-Holgate, will share the workload.
Martyn Edwards said: "The Stratford Trust is one of the biggest
charitable landowners in the country and it is a privilege to be
working with them."
Tarquin Murray-Holgate added: "The varied portfolio, which
includes hotels, shops, offices, pubs, car parks and even a public
toilet is a mixed bag, and there is also the challenge of balancing
the Trust's commercial and altruistic objectives. It is a hugely
interesting project to be involved with."
Michael Wyldbore-Smith, of Stratford Town Trust said, "Colliers
have proved themselves to be enthusiastic and diligent in their
approach to the management of the Trust's portfolio and we had no
hesitation in re-appointing them."