CIT

A former lawyer, John Barroll Brown established CIT as a vehicle for inward investment into the UK real estate market.

CIT’s original strategy was to invest in landmark income-producing assets, let to reliable covenants.

A further acquisition of a landmark London office building.

CIT acquired Sea Containers House on the South Bank, in 1996. Coincidentally, CIT acquired King’s Reach Tower, seen in the background, in 2010.

CIT’s AUM exceeds £300m for the first time.

This London landmark was acquired in January 1997.

Having identified various development opportunities in London, CIT moved to create its development business, which remains active today.

CIT identified this 13 acre brown field site on the South Bank of the River Thames, between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, and it became a strategic development opportunity. CIT delivered the GLA Building (City Hall) on time and on budget – a unique achievement among the municipal buildings of this time.

CIT’s AUM exceeds £500m for the first time.

Subsequent purchases of The Peak (view pictured) and Silver Fortune Plaza in Central established a track record for the platform.

The 387,942 sq ft building was purchased in December 2000 for circa £150m. CIT’s management of the investment realised an annualised Investor IRR in excess of 30%.

CIT’s investment history surpasses £1,000,000,000.

CIT Financial Services Limited remains regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority today.

Under CIT’s stewardship, footfall doubled and Zone A prime rents grew from an average of approximately £65 to £90 in two years.

CIT acquired this site in 2003, receiving planning consent in 2004 for 138 private residential and affordable apartments.

CIT purchased this 170,000 sq. ft. site for £15.5 million. Record sales prices were achieved for the private apartments.

CIT’s investment history surpasses £1,500,000,000

This residential site was purchased by CIT in June 2005 for £10million. Planning permission was received in December 2005 for the 31,250 sq. ft. site which was turned into 10 apartments and 15 parking spaces.

The portfolio totaled 730,000 sq.ft. and is valued at €103 million.

CIT purchased this 183,102 sq ft landmark building in London’s EC4

This former NHS Hospital site was acquired for £5.5 million. Planning permission was granted in 2007 and 11 large houses were erected.

The scheme was delivered in 2010.

CIT acquired 28 hotels through the CIT UK Real Estate Limited Partnership.

CIT investments surpass £2,000,000,000.

This site was acquired in 2007 without planning and transformed into 9 private apartments with architects Rolfe Judd. The project was completed in 2010.

CIT achieved planning consent in June 2010 for a new residential and retail development. The project was completed in 2014.

Appointed Development Manager by Clydesdale Bank for residential development at 135 Grosvenor Road, Pimlico.

A luxury residential new build development in the heart of Primrose Hill, due for completed summer 2015.

This landmark shopping centre in Hull was acquired by the CIT Jadwa Special Opportunities Fund.

CIT purchased South Bank Tower (formerly King’s Reach Tower) as a Joint Venture with Jadwa Investment.

CIT was appointed Development Manager of One Nine Elms (formerly Market Towers) redevelopment in Nine Elms by Allied Irish Bank and Green Property.

CIT’s asset management team won a mandate to manage this commercial portfolio across five European countries.

The consent, including 178 residential units over 36 storeys, was improved further in August 2013 to 191 residential units over 41 storeys.

Situated a short distance from Kensington High Street, CIT are working as development managers on this mixed-use scheme for 36 luxury apartments, offices and retail.

CIT won consent, for what was then Europe’s tallest residential tower. One Nine Elms was subsequently acquired by Dalian Wanda.

Redevelopment proposals are currently being prepared for this 178,000 sq. ft. office tower. Completion is expected in 2019.

CIT opens new office at 50 Jermyn Street, SW1Y.

Regent’s Crescent (formerly known as Park Crescent West) will become 76 luxury residences. Completion is expected in 2020.

12 Arthur Street comprises a 104,000 sq. ft. core City office building constructed in 2004. The building is multi let with tenants including Prudential, A.M. Best and Credo and provides various asset management opportunities.

CIT and joint venture partner, UCP, plan to regenerate the site into a new mixed-use development.

Work commences on HYLO (formerly Finsbury Tower) for a 310,000 sq ft mixed-use scheme. HYLO practically completed in December 2021.

CIT is granted a new long leasehold interest from the City of London for this unique site at London Bridge, and appoints Foster & Partners to bring forward proposals for a landmark redevelopment.

CIT and joint venture partner, Bain Capital Credit, agree purchase of Grosvenor Gardens House in Belgravia (SW1W).

Following the extensive restoration of John Nash’s original vision built in 1820, London’s first (and only) Grade I-listed new build development has achieved practical completion.

Acting as development managers – appointed by Malaysian developer Bellworth (part of the LGB Group) – have successfully achieved practical completion on this mixed-use scheme of 36 luxury apartments, offices and retail space.

Nestled between Old Street and Moorgate, the former 1960s building has been transformed into a high-tech high rise tower. HYLO comprises 261,000 sq ft of premium office space across 28 floors, 17,000 sq ft of retail and four landscaped roof gardens totalling an additional 11,443 sq ft.

Marking the fourth successful collaboration between CIT and Bain Capital Credit, 60 Sloane Avenue will receive an extensive restoration, giving this iconic landmark building a new lease of life, whilst retaining the original façade and integrity of the building’s heritage and architecture.

Marketing the first acquisition in a joint venture with Oaktree Capital, this Grade II-listed residential building in Bayswater will be transformed into 36 luxury apartments. Due for practical completion in 2024.

The Judges’ comment:

“Using cutting-edge solutions, HYLO overcame highly complex challenges with smart engineering, achieving high levels of social value and far-reaching sustainability benefits, including BREEAM ‘Excellent'”

HYLO wins again! Accepting its second and third award of the year, HYLO continues to prove itself as an exemplar mixed-use development and one of the best-in-class commercial buildings in London.

Planning approval for the ground breaking net-zero transformation has been granted by Southwark Council.

The Grade II-listed building, which is being restored and transformed into 42 luxury apartments, with seven ground floor retail units, has officially commenced residential sales.

Situated in Bayswater (W2) – adjacent to The Whiteley – this Grade II-listed development comprised of 36 luxury apartments has officially commenced residential sales.

Following the successful launch of 8 Eaton Lane in January 2023, the prime residential development comprised of 42 luxury apartments is now officially 45% sold.

CIT have successfully secured planning consent at Park Lane Mews, the latest collaboration between CIT & Bain Capital Credit. The former hotel will be transformed into a world-class luxury lifestyle boutique hotel and 16 prime residential apartments, situated in the heart of Mayfair’s hidden gem, Shepherd Market. Due for completion in 2025.

Two new show apartments by award-winning interior design studios Sophie Ashby and Angel O’Donnell, respectively, have been unveiled at Lancer Square (Kensington, W8).

CIT opens new office at 1 Red Place, W1K.

London’s first (and only) Grade I-listed residential development, overlooking Regent’s Park, has now sold all of its 76 residences.

Originally developed in 1911 as Harrods’ motor car garage and workshop, this prestigious building has a striking Edwardian Baroque façade and comprises over 90,000 sq ft of Grade A office space and over 36,000 sq ft of retail space, spread across four retail units and a large leisure unit, occupied by private members club, KX.

A boutique residential development comprised of 16 premium apartments – part of the Park Lane Mews acquisition – has officially launched to market. Set within two grand Georgian townhouses, 36 & 37 Hertford Street Residences will be a mix of one- and two-bedroom homes due for completion in 2025.

Following the successful refurbishment and practical completion of this landmark building in Chelsea in February 2024, SIXTY SLOANE will be welcoming its first tenant, Arrow Shipping.

Nestled between Notting Hill and Hyde Park, this collection of 36 premium residences – set within a palatial Grade II-listed Victorian villa in Bayswater (W2) – has achieved practical completion. Sitting adjacent to The Whiteley, this boutique development comprises one- and two- bedroom lateral apartments and access to The Whiteley’s world-class amenities and the Six Senses pool & spa. The latest show apartment has been designed by Muted Interiors.

Nestled between Notting Hill and Hyde Park, this boutique collection of 36 homes set in a palatial Grade II-listed Victorian villa in Bayswater has successfully achieved practical completion.

John founded CIT in 1995 and is responsible for our consistent growth into one of the foremost private equity property investment vehicles in the business.

That success is largely down to the partnerships and fund structures John has forged with institutions and high net worth groups in Europe, the US, the Middle and Far East and Australia. During this time the group has acquired approximately £3 billion of commercial property.

John remains the Chairman of the Group and chairs our Investment Committee.

Craig is responsible for all investments under management, as well as focusing on raising funds and overseeing day to day operations of the group.

Before joining us in 1999, Craig spent six years in the advisory division of Jones Lang LaSalle, where he specialised as a consultant in shopping centres and central business district offices for the Sydney and London offices.

Craig is qualified MRICS, BBus (Land Econ) Grad Dip (Fin & Inv) and is a Certified Fund Manager (CFM) and Certified Property Practitioner (Fin) (CPP (Fin)). He is an Associate of the Australian Property Institute and Fellow of the Securities Institute of Australia.

Tom leads the analysis and underwriting process for new projects at CIT. Bringing together the expertise and experience of professionals across the CIT team, Tom leads an evidence-based approach to investment, identifying innovative strategies to unlock value, and ensuring all our projects are underpinned by a robust business case, no matter the sector or location.

Tom has a track record in identifying value-add and opportunistic projects where CIT can outperform, securing assets on favourable terms and giving the platform from which to deliver high-quality, sustainable real-estate targeted at its end-user. Prior to CIT, Tom advised public and private sector clients on structuring and viability of development and investment opportunities across the UK, at property consultancy King Sturge. He holds an MA in Mathematics from the University of Cambridge.

Chris joined CIT in 2011 and is responsible for overseeing the residential for sale platform. In addition he manages our relationships with our global investment partners.

He has a background in engineering, design and finance with a BA (Hons) Industrial Design from Brunel University and a Masters in Finance & Investment from CASS Business School.

Previously, Chris worked at CTM Design, creating luxury interiors for aircraft and yachts.

Steve joined CIT in 2010 and is responsible for managing the group’s development activities.

He is a passionate developer with over 30 years’ experience and a track record of creating exceptional value. Personally involved in delivery of over seven million square feet of space throughout his career.

He has consistently worked with the very best consultant and delivery teams in the UK– delivering outstanding developments to the highest standards and values.

Steve and the team are expert in creating and delivering new and repositioned developments that deliver value for our partners.

Toby is responsible for sourcing, analysis and execution of new opportunities as well as the asset management of our existing portfolio.

Prior to joining CIT in 2014 he worked for real estate consultancy Cushman & Wakefield, where he worked in the Central London Investment Team. Toby holds an MSc in Real Estate from the University of Reading and is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS).

Ed joined CIT in 2008 and oversees the Group’s financial operations. He is responsible for the strategic financial planning, management and reporting of CIT and its projects. During his time at CIT, Ed has worked across multiple jurisdictions and real estate sectors.

Before joining us, Ed gained his professional qualifications at BDO LLP, where he specialised in audit and assurance and managed a mixed portfolio of real estate and non real estate clients.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and holds an MA in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge.

Joining in 2016, Gerry is CIT’s Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer and provides in-house legal and compliance support. He holds an LL.B. degree and an M.A. in Accountancy and Economics, both from the University of Dundee and is a qualified solicitor, specialising in asset management and investment funds. He has been a partner in a number of UK law firms and has held senior business, legal and compliance positions in global financial institutions, including Lazard, Franklin Templeton and JP Morgan.

Henry joined CIT in 2017 and is responsible for the sales and marketing of CIT’s residential projects. During his time at CIT, he has overseen the sales and marketing programmes of key developments including Regent’s Crescent, Lancer Square, 8 Eaton Lane and No. 18 Porchester Gardens.

Before joining CIT, he worked for the London Residential Development team of Savills. Henry holds a MSc in Real Estate from the University of Westminster with first class honours.

Caroline joined CIT in 2021 and is responsible for overseeing the marketing activity for all projects, both residential and commercial. In addition to managing the production, delivery and execution of each site’s marketing campaigns, she is also responsible for establishing the marketing strategy and budget, working in close conjunction with CIT’s Sales Director.

She has an extensive marketing & PR experience in the premium and prime central London residential market, having previously worked for leading FTSE 100 property developers, and boutique branding agencies specialising in luxury real estate.

She began her career in 2013, after graduating from The University of Edinburgh with a BA (Hons) in Sociology. Previously, Caroline has worked for LUCHFORD, Taylor Wimpey (Central London) and St George’s (part of The Berkeley Group).

Prior to joining CIT in August 2014, Ewen worked within Property Agency and Consultancy organisations where he specialised in the project management of commercial, residential and retail projects for clients including: British Land, Berkeley Homes, Heron International, Pillar Properties, Land Securities, Get Living London and Native Land as well as niche developers Zog Group and PDMS Vesty.

A member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Ewen holds an Honours degree in Building Surveying from De Montford University, Leicester.

Ewen was responsible for managing the onsite delivery of CIT’s South Bank Tower and is now managing the development of Lancer Square, Kensington.

James joined CIT in May 2022 following 9 years at a built asset consultancy within the project management team, leading predominantly on high-end residential projects, as well as mixed use schemes. During this time, James has worked with developers such as British Land, Lodha and Grainger managing schemes from acquisition to completion.

James is a member of the Chartered Institute of Buildings and has a BSc in project management. These qualifications, experience and working closely with developers, has provided James with strong client focus and a thorough understanding of the technical aspects associated with the delivery of substantial projects pre- and post-delivery throughout the lifecycle of a project.

James was responsible for the early design and obtaining planning permission for 18 Porchester Gardens and is currently responsible for delivering 8 Eaton Lane, a Grade II-listed prime residential development in Belgravia.

Julian joined CIT in 2022, and is responsible for the delivery of two of our high profile residential and commercial schemes, Sixty Sloane and HYLO.

Prior to joining CIT, Julian worked in New York City for developer and investor, CIM, where he was involved with the delivery of over one million sq ft of commercial office space in Manhattan. Originally from Australia, Julian started his career working on landmark education, sports, and stadium developments in his hometown of Sydney. He holds a Masters of Property Development (MSc) from the University of Technology Sydney.

Ricky joined CIT following a mixed background in both consultancy and client-side development where he has completed a range of schemes across the commercial, retail, leisure and residential sectors.

Ricky is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, holding qualifications as both a building surveyor and project manager. These allow an appreciation for both the development process and on-site challenges which he seeks to utilise to bring interesting projects to fruition. Ricky has extensively worked on planning matters and has successfully obtained numerous planning applications and amendments.

Ricky has had the pleasure of working with a wide range of clients including: Deutsche Bank, Native Land, R&F, Lum Chang Holdings, Guinness Partnerships and British Land before joining CIT.

Satbir joined CIT in 2022 and is responsible for running analysis and underwriting on all new opportunities alongside the CIO. He is also the lead analyst on the investment management of multiple existing joint venture partnerships.

He has a background in Real Estate Private Equity at GLP, focussed on the logistics sector and previously as an Analyst focussed on London Capital Markets at Knight Frank.

Satbir graduated from Reading University with a Bsc in Finance & Investment banking and is a former semi-professional cricketer for Surrey County Cricket Club.

Sinead joined CIT in 2022 as an Analyst after previously working in the Build to Rent sector. She is involved in the management of existing assets and pipeline developments.

She has a background in business management and real estate finance with a Bachelor’s in Management from Dalhousie University and a Master’s in International Real Estate and Finance from UCL’s Bartlett School.

Klaudia is responsible for management accounting and financial reporting as well as managing day to day operations of the finance department. Prior to joining CIT in August 2018 she worked at fin-tech company Demica, and prior to that the restructuring and investment firm, Gordon Brothers. Her career to date has spanned various finance roles in wealth management.

Klaudia is an ACCA qualified accountant with a Masters in Economics from the University of Economics in Bratislava, Slovakia.