Gaw Capital Partners, through its funds under management, and its consortium partners, acquired 29 Hong Kong-based community shopping centers and associated facilities in March 2018 and March 2019.
Gaw Capital Partners officially started to operate over 29 assets and facilities near the public estates and established “People’s Place”. “People” stands for the public and the residents, whereas “Place” here is an allusion to the idiomatic Chinese term for a location of virtue and tradition, as well as a well-governed community; “Place” also connotes the solidarity of the local neighborhood. All in all, “People’s Place” stands for a place rich in sentiments and compassion, bringing strangers together in constructing a vibrant, cozy living environment. People’s Place aspires to transform obsolete commercial facilities into vibrant community hubs by creatively utilizing its space and bringing brand new experiences to residents, tenants and community stakeholders.
In partnership with experienced educators in China, Gaw Capital has invested in the development and operations of Stellart International School of Arts (SISA), an international arts education platform in China. The platform is initially seeded by a commercial site conveniently located in Sanshan New Town in Nanhai, Foshan, which has excellent connectivity nationally via the Guangzhou South Station. The site has a GFA of c.50,000 sqm in total. Operating under the SISA brand and developed by Gaw Capital Partners, the school houses up to 600 full-time high school students in its 6-storey tall academic block and 7-floor dormitory. 
Harbour Exchange is a multi-let office estate in London’s South Quay, Docklands
3 October 2018, London – Clearbell Capital and Gaw Capital Partners today announces the transaction of 4 and 5 Harbour Exchange in London, with Clearbell Property Partners II LP (Clearbell) agreeing to sell Harbour Exchange to Gaw Capital for £36.2m.
The assets, comprising two office buildings in the Harbour Exchange estate, cover 95,000 sq ft in total. Harbour Exchange is a multi-let office estate located in the Isle of Dogs, offering one million sq ft of office space. The site is in close proximity to South Quay DLR station and is a 10-minute walk to the Canary Wharf estate, with access to the Underground’s Jubilee Line.
Clearbell acquired Harbour Exchange in February 2014 to cater for businesses looking for cheaper rents in London, having been priced out of central locations.
A series of asset management initiatives and new lettings were undertaken to drive income, including:
- Overhaul of the Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) throughout
- More efficient lighting at 4 Harbour Exchange
- New reception areas and external entrances
- Five new lettings to new tenants at 4 Harbour Exchange
With over 13 years of investment experience, Gaw Capital Partners is distinguished for its ability to add strategic value to real estate through revitalisation, redesign and repositioning. The firm has an excellent investment track record in the London market, with a number of strategic and high-potential commercial properties in its portfolio, including Lloyd’s Building, 123-151 Buckingham Palace Road, Milton Gate and Tower Place.
Dominic Moore, Head of Asset Management at Clearbell Capital said, “This sale demonstrates an appetite for prime office space in desirable locations beyond the City of London. The development of this business hub in the Isle of Dogs is testament to the attractiveness of peripheral locations in London, as tenants seek Grade-A space at reasonable rates. We pursued this investment against a
backdrop of rising rents in the City, looking to deliver high quality office space to high quality tenants being priced out of the City.”
Christina Gaw, Managing Principal and Head of Capital Markets at Gaw Capital Partners said, “As freeholders of the Harbour Exchange buildings, this acquisition will enable us to further
consolidate our holdings at the estate. These buildings represent exceptional value for tenants, providing access to Grade-A office space in a fantastic location with excellent transport links, at rents far lower than those found in the West End, City and other fringe locations.”
Gryphon Property Partners and Knight Frank acted for Clearbell. Michael Elliott acted for Gaw Capital.