Deal done! Brecker Grossmith have announced they were the West End property agents responsible for introducing the permanent new London space for BODY WORLDS one of the world’s most successful travelling exhibitions, Gunther von Hagens’ collection of real human bodies, donated to be preserved by plastination. The process preserves cells by replacing fat and water with advanced plastics.
The property agency started searching for a flagship venue for BODY WORLDS in May 2016 and engineered an off market opportunity after identifying the London Pavilion, a former music hall directly facing Piccadilly Circus that was home for more than 10 years to Ripley’s Believe It or Not. The London Pavilion provides 28,000 sq. ft of space over seven floors with over 22,000 sq. ft of prime exhibition space. It will catalyse a wider series of improvements to the building including an intended general restoration of the historic façade.
Richard Brecker director of Brecker Grossmith said: “It was an extremely challenging brief as the requirement was so specific to secure such a major site in a supremely prime location in the heart of the West End. Large leisure venues of this size in Central London locations do not come to market frequently. Brecker Grossmith has a rich heritage brokering deals in central London for more than 60 years and this has undoubtedly placed BODY WORLDS front and centre of the London tourist sector while raising the profile of our own firm.”
The search was led by Henry Carroll, Brecker Grossmith’s Head of Agency who said: “Identifying appropriate opportunities required a forensic analysis of West End leisure venues and engagement with landlords and tenants about off-market availability. Unlocking the opportunity for BODY WORLDS to take such a prime trophy building was hugely exciting.”
BODY WORLDS opened to the public on 6 October 2018.
