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London Diamond Bourse announces EGM to discuss future location

The London Diamond Bourse (LDB) has announced it will hold an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) in the wake of data showing leases in the Hatton Garden area are set to skyrocket.

The bourse hopes the meeting will provide an opportunity to consult its members as to the various options available to the LDB when its current Hatton Garden lease ends in July 2019.

In a statement, the LDB’s chief operating officer, Victoria McKay, said it is “imperative” that the organisation makes plans beyond that date.

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Concerns have been raised about the future of London’s famous jewellery quarter as Crossrail will soon open a station in nearby Farringdon, dramatically improving access to the area and making it attractive for commercial property developers.

The announcement of the EGM comes after McKay told the Evening Standard there was a growing risk that Hatton Garden’s community of specialist workshops would be broken up as a result of the opening..

Speaking to Jewellery Focus, McKay commented: “This EGM is specifically to gauge our members feelings on what the future holds. For us it’s about doing what our members want us to do, if that means we stay in Hatton Garden, fantastic.

“If that means they are willing to explore the opportunities outside of Hatton Garden, then that’s something we will look at as well.

“Logic tells you that we can stay in Hatton garden, but it will cost a lot more money to stay here come 2019. If that’s something our members are happy to do and happy to pay for then that’s what will happen.

“If not then we will look at other options, unless of course we can come up with another scenario between then and now.”

She added that there are no “concrete” options for where the bourse could potentially move if it does indeed decide to leave Hatton Garden, but it is currently inviting its members to come forward with any suggestions.

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