London
(1991-1994)
 Shell-Mex
House on London’s Strand was Shell Expro's headquarters. It is a Grade
II listed building, which boasts the largest clock face in London. It is
uniquely situated between the river Thames and Covent Garden.
This is the place where I became a Petroleum Engineer.
On 06/09/99 the Witkoff Group, a privately owned
New York-based property company, exchanged contracts for the purchase of
Shell-Mex House and Cecil Chambers, Strand, London WC2. Shell vacates the
building by the end of 1999. The sale forms part of the wider Royal Dutch/Shell
Group’s current restructuring programme.
Shell-Mex House was constructed by Shell in 1931
and has remained in its ownership since then. The Grade II listed building
is one of London’s landmarks, totalling over 51,100
sq.m (550,000 sq.ft) with an imposing frontage onto
the River Thames.
The purchase represents the Witkoff Group’s first
acquisition in the UK. Following completion of the transaction at the end
of the year, the building will undergo a significant refurbishment programme.
As part of the transaction, Shell International Trading and Shipping Company
(STASCO) is taking a leaseback of 80,000 sq.ft (two floors) within the
building.
The sale follows a period of competitive bidding
for the freehold interest in the two properties. Details of the terms are
not being made public.
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