Interview: Paul O’Grady, Grosvenor Belgravia Director

We speak to Grosvenor Belgravia director, Paul O’Grady, as part of this Knight Frank research report on the area, to find out more about the landlord’s vision for the estate and its management post-pandemic.

Since 2007, our data shows that Belgravia has delivered just 250 new residential units, reflecting its highly protected status, with 90% of the area within a conservation zone and much of it listed. However, over the next seven years, it is on course to deliver over 477 units, alongside 315,000 sq ft of new commercial property, as a series of long-running developments come to fruition.

What is your vision for Belgravia?

Historically, development has been focused on residential, but part of our vision for the estate is to create a district that embraces all uses. This lies at the heart of our ambition for the Cundy Street Quarter which will deliver senior living, private and affordable homes as well a new retail village centre. Likewise, Newson’s Yard will put Pimlico Road firmly at the centre of the London interior design world. Following the success of Eccleston Yards, 7 Holbein Place will be our most sustainable office development ever. And the Cleveland Clinic at 33 Grosvenor Place is London’s most state-of-the-art international hospital. Ultimately, through delivering more diversity, our ambition is to make sure more people can discover Belgravia and re-connect with the area.

What are the key challenges you face?

Belgravia has always needed careful and considerate management. We have a responsibility to preserve its historic nature and needs of the residents while simultaneously making sure it changes with the times and continues to evolve in a positive and inclusive fashion. Historically it has been quite introspective. The retail catered for those within, with mixed commercial success. There is a strong community in Belgravia which is a massive plus. It is a little village where everyone knows everyone, but over time the permanent resident population has fallen. In some ways this has led to a perception issue. A lot of people see Belgravia as an exclusive residential district only. As a result, it has been overtaken by development in neighbouring districts, notably Victoria, Knightsbridge and Chelsea.

Where does the opportunity lie for delivering your vision?

Belgravia has all the ingredients of being the best district in London: architecture, beautiful streets, boutique retail, transport links, wide streets and green open space. There is no district where an estate has such influence down to the control of the commercial areas. It is really very exciting given the ability Grosvenor has to make such a difference. This really is a golden era for Belgravia. The opportunity for us is to open up Belgravia but in an authentic way. It is not Mayfair and doesn’t pretend to be. It is far more discreet – a little hidden gem. But it is now becoming a really exciting part of London for people to discover. With the significant development that is underway, and a Crossrail 2 station on Lower Belgrave Street, it will continue to offer more and more for visitors and residents alike while retaining its charm. There will genuinely be something for everybody.

What is the key ingredient to delivering the Grosvenor vision?

It’s all about balance. You have lots of stakeholders, residents, retailers, office workers. Interestingly, you have eight times as many workers as you have residents. We must move the area forward while catering for all these different groups and still retaining the right balance that retains the essence of Belgravia. That’s the hardest thing to do while bringing people with you on the journey. It is always the case for any estate but in Belgravia it is particularly sensitive because of its size and historic importance. It is about preserving the past but making sure it is aligned with the future.