In August Movehut reported that the future of seven commercial art galleries on Mayfair’s Cork Street was under threat from developers. Now it has emerged that a further four face being forced out by plans to redevelop a site on the opposite side of the street.
The galleries under threat from the new proposal are Hay Hill, Bernard Jacobson, Messum’s and Petleys. Their future is in doubt following the announcement by landlord Pollen Estate that they plan to develop new offices and retail units on the site.
They join the Alpha Gallery, Adam gallery, Waterhouse & Dodd, Stopenbach & Delestre, Gallery 27, Beaux Arts and the Mayer Gallery in facing the prospect of searching for new homes if the developments go ahead. This represents half the galleries on a street with a long history as a hub of the London art market.
Pollen Estate has promised that gallery owners will be consulted over the proposals and that their feedback will be taken into consideration. They have also pledged that gallery space will be included in the plans but Bernard Jacobson dismisses this.
He said; “They showed us these gorgeous plans and then said ‘By the way goodbye and thanks for being a good tenant.’ I’ve been forced out. They’ll probably triple the rent. They say they want to keep it as an art street but this is just about money to them. Cork Street has been killed off by the greed of the landlords.”
A petition against both proposals has been launched and has so far collected nearly 9,000 signatures. This will be handed to Westminster council, but ward councillor Jonathan Glanz is doubtful it will have any impact on the decision. If this is the case, gallery owners fear, the character of the street that gave the likes of Max Ernst and Paul Klee their first London shows could be lost forever.
Previous Post
Profits Fall at Tesco for First Time in Twenty Years
