Jeweller to MPs and royalty in danger of losing home
FOR centuries it has supplied its distinguished customers with pearls, rings and brooches of the most exquisite craftsmanship.
Since first opening its doors in 1798, J McCarthy has served princes and potentates, aristocrats, Lords and MPs, and even ordinary Londoners lucky enough to put aside some savings for a special trinket. But now the Westminster jeweller, whose services Margaret Thatcher once described as “unfailing and courteous” and which counts the Princess Royal among its customers, faces a battle for its existence as a London institution.
Having survived the Great Depression as well as the Blitz, during which its Strutton Ground premises were bombed, forcing it to move to its present site in Artillery Row, the shop now faces a potentially insurmountable foe.
The commercial property agency Metrus Property Advisors, which manages a large amount of property in Westminster and Victoria, is looking at options to redevelop the building housing J McCarthy. That could lead to the business, established by Justin John McCarthy more than 220 years ago, having to find alternative premises – in all likelihood in a less central and prestigious location.
Robert Mullings, the current owner of the firm, whose great, great grandfather married into the McCarthy family, is now appealing to the Mayor of Westminster and the esteemed occupants of the House of Commons, a short walk away from his shop, to come to its aid.
Mr Mullings was recently informed by Metrus that it wants to redevelop the property as restaurant premises.
He said: “We were trying to secure a new five-year lease on the premises, but they informed us they want to put a restaurant here and next door, where Barclays Bank is. That means there simply wouldn’t be any space for us and we would have to go elsewhere.”
But that would require the firm having to pay a cripplingly high rent at another location if it wanted to remain within central Westminster. Mr Mullings said: “If we are forced out because of these redevelopment plans it will be landlords and management companies doing what the Luftwaffe failed to do.”
J McCarthy is now awaiting the decision of Westminster planning committee to an application by Metrus for a change of use to the premises. If that is approved the firm intends to launch an appeal, backed by its supporters.
Adrian Sayer, the managing director of Metrus, said: “Planning investigations are being undertaken as to the possible future uses of the retail section within the wider building Artillery House of which this unit forms part.
“This is usual prudent Estate Management. No decisions have been made as to what will be changed even if planning permission is granted and indeed in the light of the Covid pandemic there may well be no changes at all.”