https://doi.org/10.36866/pn.87.6

This month, contracts were exchanged on new premises for The Society in London. This will be the first time in its history that The Society has owned property in which it resides and the move promises significant financial and operational benefits.

The decision has not been taken lightly and is the culmination of over 12 months work by the Property Task Force established by Council in early 2011. This review was required as the lease on our Cambridge office ends in mid-2013 and in London in early 2014. As part of the process, the Task Force and Council considered many things, not least the cost of purchase and on-going cost of office space, but also the ability to support and deliver our charitable objectives and ease of access by public transport.

Using a property profile developed by the Task Force and approved by Council, the property search was initiated in January. After viewing a number of properties that did not fit The Society’s requirements, the Task Force proposed the purchase of 30-32 Farringdon Lane to Council in March, which was approved.

The property in Farringdon Lane (presently called ‘Priory Court’) hits all the key points: it is close to Farringdon Station, which is easily accessible from all mainline rail stations and will also be a Crossrail Hub; we will have a flexible meeting space to host events with around 75 people; and for the first time we will be able to host all our Committee and Council meetings. We will also be able to sub-let at least two floors to like-minded organisations, reducing our net on-going annual office accommodation costs significantly from where they are now.

Over the coming months a design and fit-out operation will be initiated. The hope is to create modern premises that reflect physiology and The Society’s history. As part of this we shall be seeking views from Members as we progress with the fit out, including naming of meeting rooms. More will be posted on The Society’s website in the coming months.

A move from current offices off Gray’s Inn Road (WC1) to the new premises on nearby Farringdon Lane (EC1) is planned for Winter 2012.