The Interview: Sarah Goldman, Senior Portfolio Manager, GPE

Sarah Goldman is the Senior Portfolio Manager at GPE, the British property development and investment company.

GPE owns properties in the West End such as the West side of Hanover Square and in the City of London such as the Bloomberg Headquarters. Hanover has recently seen an extensive 1.3 acre development, comprising of exquisite contemporary buildings, reimagined heritage architecture and a new public space all within proximity to the new eastern entrance of the Elizabeth line’s Bond Street station.

The entire development is built around Medici Courtyard, a generous new public space which connects New Bond Street and Tenterden Street with the revitalised Hanover Square.

Goldman has a rich history in the property industry, having spent time working for agents including British Land, Savills and CBRE. As one of the main driving forces behind GPE, she talks to TheIndustry.fashion about her recent work at GPE and the development at Hanover.

Tell me about your background in the retail and property industry?

I have always had an interest in property and the built environment. I grew up learning about the property industry from both my uncles – one was in commercial, one was in residential – so I was very lucky that I got to experience two different parts of the industry from quite a young age.

I’ve been in the industry for over 18 years and have thoroughly enjoyed spending time working for agents including Savills and CBRE, as well as broadening my experience at British Land where I was responsible for their London portfolio, with a particular focus on the redevelopment of their Broadgate campus. After British Land, I worked as a Leasing Director for The Bicester Village Shopping collection, managing all the retail offering before I joined GPE just over a year ago as senior portfolio manager.

What has your journey been like since joining GPE, have you overseen any big milestones or projects?

Currently, I am a senior portfolio manager at GPE, with a focus on our retail assets, which now make up just under 25% of our holdings. Every day is different and I love the variety that my role brings.

Having worked across a number of different projects, one of the stand out developments is Hanover. A project of this scale in Mayfair is really rare and the overall creation of Hanover’s new retail arcade has been a favourite of mine to work on. We have introduced luxury brands including Canali, Pronovias, Seiko, Opera Gallery, WatchHouse and Moyses Stevens, alongside London Fashion Academy by Jimmy Choo. This development is one of the biggest milestones for London as it forms part of the wider transformation of New Bond Street and will be complemented by the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair Hotel and the new Elizabeth line which is due to open soon at Bond Street.

What do you aim to accomplish at GPE, both personally and as a business?

Every day is different and I love the variety that my role brings. As a business I think we have the opportunity to create places that really impact people’s lives. At GPE our goal is to ensure our buildings cater for the future of London, whether it be the brands we choose to work with or ensuring our properties leave a sustainable legacy.

Personally, I found that when I started as a graduate at CBRE, the property world was challenging. At times, I was the only woman in the room. Things are changing for the better now but I would like to continue to see more women in senior roles within the industry in future. While I think the industry has made huge strides forward in the last couple of years, more work also needs to be done to promote gender and racial diversity and tackle pay gaps. We can’t just talk the talk; we need to walk the walk.

Hanover development on New Bond Street.
Photo credit: Hanover by GPE

How important do you feel big projects are to the redevelopment of areas like Hanover?

Incredibly important. Projects like Crossrail are paramount to ensure the London remains a top destination on a global scale. Faster journey times and improved connectivity mean you can get from Heathrow to the Mandarin Oriental check in desk in 34 minutes. It’s a total gamechanger. This will provide a much needed boost for international tourism. Our brands at Hanover have already factored in the positive impact that the Elizabeth line will have on their trade and we only expect this to get stronger over time as footfall increases.

What brands have already signed up to move/join the area?

Opera Gallery will join other luxury retailers at Hanover, including Canali, Pronovias, Seiko, Moyses Stevens and WatchHouse, as well as the London Fashion Academy by Jimmy Choo. The retail brands join New England inspired restaurant – The MAINE – launched by Canadian restauranteur Joey Ghazal.

At Carrington House, 128/130 Regent Street, W1, TUMI, the international accessories brand, will be relocating to a new global flagship store, occupying 3,570 sq ft on a prominent corner at Carrington House, across the ground and basement floors.

The new global flagship will showcase TUMI’s latest store concept and is anticipated to open in September with the travel brand’s full collection of stylish modern luggage on offer.

Hanover development
Photo credit: Hanover by GPE

Talk to me about sustainability – what things have been important in that area regarding the Hanover development?

With buildings of this quality being increasingly scarce, occupiers are seeking spaces with strong sustainability credentials, which are technologically advanced, flexible and support the health and wellbeing of their employees. As a result, prime spaces remain in high demand, supporting pre-letting activity and rents. These market dynamics play to our strengths. This is both reflected in our leasing successes to date and, looking forward, the prospects for our deep pipeline of future opportunities which will continue to meet this growing demand in the decade to come.

What do you think will be key to the success of the development?

The completion of the New Bond Street Crossrail station and our Hanover development will be transformational to both Bond Street and Hanover Square itself and will provide a significant boost to the wider West End!

Crossrail's Bond Street station will officially open on 24 October 2022, providing a new link to the West End with entrances at Hanover Square and Davies Street, located near the Superdry and Disney Store flagship locations.