Agents briefed on Smithfield sale

Property consultant Daniel Watney has secured planning permission for the residential conversion of 24-30 West Smithfield, EC1A. The building contains 70,000 sq ft of office space and was previously home to City & Guilds, prior to its move to a new HQ in Giltspur Street. The six-storey building, constructed in the 1970s, will be converted into 74 one-, two-, and three-bed flats. Daniel Watney and Savills have both been instructed to handle the sale of the property on behalf of City & Guilds. Charles Mills, head of planning at Daniel Watney, said: “We are pleased to have successfully secured the change of use, significantly improving the asset value for City & Guilds, which is a charitable institution, and creating a unique and exciting residential opportunity. “The imminent arrival of Crossrail, alongside its proximity to both the City and Midtown, means Farringdon has become an incredibly popular area with prime residential investors.” chris.berkin@estatesgazette.com