Q&A with Simon Baynham
Continuing the Q&A series with key figures from The Howard de Walden Estate
You’ve been with Howard de Walden for almost 25 years, what do you feel have been some of biggest changes in the Estate?
Well, during that time London as a whole has changed quite dramatically and The Howard de Walden Estate has developed and grown with it. We’ve weathered the storm through some difficult times, such as the financial crisis, and come out of the other side as a stronger company. The current situation is unlike anything that anyone has seen, but I’m confident that London and the Estate will emerge and move forward again. However, I fear the recovery will take a while.
In terms of the Estate, the greatest changes have been around Marylebone High Street and Harley Street. The way they have evolved has been tremendous and Howard de Walden has played a key role in their enhancement and improvement. It has been a perfect example of how locations can benefit when there is an owner who controls most of the properties and is committed to improvement and listening to the community.
What are you the most proud of in terms of what’s been achieved during your time with the business?
When I arrived, Marylebone High Street was struggling and it’s been enormously gratifying to see how our team reinvigorated it and reinvented it. The Harley Street Medical Area has seen even bigger change and the greatest satisfaction has come with being able to help facilitate the provision of cutting-edge medical treatment which changes so many people’s lives for the better.
Significant advances have occurred particularly on the focus of the treatment of cancer and other serious medical conditions.
You’ll be handing over your role to Julian Best, what advice would you give to him?
Julian has been exceptional to date in preparing to take over this role and I have no doubt that he’ll do a fantastic job as Property Director. It’s a difficult time to be stepping into such a position, but it also brings a real opportunity to help the company and refocus on the quality and marketability of our properties.
In your new role, you’ll be leading the Harley Street Medical Area’s plans to become a Business Improvement District (BID). Can you tell us more about this?
The Harley Street Medical Area (HSMA) BID has two main aims: to improve the area’s public realm and to increase international awareness of the destination. By becoming a BID, we’ll be able to further develop the area as a London destination and compete even further on the international medical stage. The HSMA is renowned across the world but there’s still significant potential for it to be better known. I’m looking forward to leading that process.
Finally, if you were to recommend a Marylebone shop and restaurant to someone, what would your picks be?
Two of my favourite stores I think sum up the spirit of Marylebone Village: Daunt Books and La Fromagerie. They are long-term occupiers and embody what we’re trying to create here which is a real sense of quality, community and destination.
