Grosvenor has created a new flexible workspace designed specifically for charities and social impact organisations in support of the Westminster Foundation’s mission to help vulnerable young people.
The building at 8 – 10 Grosvenor Gardens in the heart of Victoria and owned by Grosvenor’s UK property business will be known as Fivefields. Members will share a common interest in improving the lives of children and young people, mirroring the Westminster Foundation’s charitable activity.
The project has been initiated by the Duke of Westminster, who is Chair of both the Grosvenor Trustees and the Westminster Foundation. He saw the opportunity to bring together Grosvenor’s significant property expertise and resources with the Westminster Foundation’s philanthropic leadership. Grosvenor and the Westminster Foundation have also joined forces with flexible workspace specialists x+why (B Corp certified) to manage the building.
Fivefields is expected to be operational in Autumn 2023, bringing like-minded charities under one roof enabling them to collaborate, network and grow together. Two thirds of the building has been earmarked for charities and the other third will likely be occupied by funders, consultants and social enterprises. The resulting community provide a high-quality space for charities who might not otherwise be able afford a central London location.
The Westminster Foundation will offer grant funding to a selected group of these charities – who align with their strategic focus – to support membership costs, enabling them to be housed and supported in a community that will help amplify their important work.
The Duke of Westminster said: “So many incredible charities and social impact organisations are working flat out to support vulnerable children and young people. We want to support them by creating an inspiring workspace that will encourage collaboration and help generate new ways to tackle important issues together. I’m delighted we can combine Grosvenor’s property resources and expertise, the Westminster Foundation’s charitable relationships and x+why’s leadership in flexible workspace to create this new venue. I’m excited about its potential and can’t wait to see the Fivefields community and culture develop.”
The repurposing of 8-10 Grosvenor Gardens into Fivefields builds on Grosvenor’s recent track record of retrofitting existing buildings into vibrant new workspaces. These include the transformation of a 1980s office building into its first net zero office development at Holbein Gardens and its work to refurbish the Ice Factory in Belgravia, a building dating back to the 1830s that had been used as a coachworks, power station and motor repair centre over its 200 year history.
In reworking the c30,000 sq ft 8-10 Grade II listed Grosvenor Gardens into a sustainable and high-quality shared workspace, the building is being refurbished with accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability front of mind. In line with Grosvenor’s environmental commitments the building has been designed to minimise embodied carbon and includes features such as re-used steel, responsibly sourced timber, upcycled furniture and highly recycled aluminium.
James Raynor, Chief Executive Officer, Grosvenor Property UK said: “By coming together with the Westminster Foundation we have created one of the leading collaborative workplaces in London. Fivefields will offer best in class amenities for charities and social impact organisations in the heart of the Capital, creating the perfect conditions for collaboration, idea sharing and innovation.
“As a business, we have a strong track record of transforming buildings and places to respond to the needs of modern occupiers. At Fivefields we have pushed this one step further, creating an inclusive, accessible, purpose-built space. To be able to do this for organisations who work to improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society is something we’re incredibly proud to have been a part of.”
The proximity to Westminster and Whitehall is expected to facilitate networking opportunities and access to policy decision-makers in government for Fivefields members. In addition, the Westminster Foundation and x+why will also curate a bespoke cultural programme of activities for members at Fivefields – from panel discussions and workshops to social and wellness activities. In addition,
Gordon Scorer, CEO of London Wildlife Trust, who have a flourishing youth programme to help young people get involved in nature said: “This new initiative will add significant value to our work. Being accommodated in a modern office with the ability to interlock, learn from and engage with our fellow charities will inevitably lead to greater impact in our respective missions to support young people and diverse communities across London. We’re grateful to the Westminster Foundation and Grosvenor for making it happen.”
Kate Brown, Director of the Westminster Foundation explains: “The last few years have brought significant challenges for the charity sector. However, the current state of disruption offers an opportunity for change, especially around working practices. We have listened to our charity partners and know that combining the resources of like-minded organisations delivers a greater impact than operating in silos.”
Rupert Dean, co-founder of x+why comments: “We are thrilled to partner with Grosvenor and the Westminster Foundation to design and operate this incredible building with such aspirational amenity. The combination of supporting Educational Charities through Grant Funding from the Westminster Foundation and supporting them in a dedicated space focused on modern day working alongside businesses is really exciting. We are looking forward to seeing the collaboration and even greater impact that can be achieved.”