Press Release

THE CROWN ESTATE AND THE CRITERION BUILDING

19 May 2009

The head leaseholder applied to the High Court to bring forward the hearing on the decision of the letting of The Criterion Building at the corner of Haymarket and Piccadilly Circus to July.

We argued that this should not happen for a number of reasons, the judge has now set a date in September for the case to be heard.

The Crown Estate is continuing to meet with the interested parties to find a suitable solution for this unit which fits with our long-term vision and strategy for St James's and Piccadilly. The Crown Estate is looking to commit to a significant programme of investment and regeneration of the Piccadilly and St James's area that will, long-term, create an international tourism destination of which London can be proud and will benefit the UK as a whole.

Our long-term vision is that the area should offer an enhanced retail, leisure and business environment, appropriate to this renowned landmark location.