Royal Exchange Listed at £75 Million

The retail section of The Royal Exchange in the City of London has been put up for sale with an asking price reportedly around £75 million, just three years after changing hands for less than £50 million.

The historic property was acquired in 2022 by The Ardent Companies UK, a subsidiary of the Atlanta-based asset management firm Ardent Companies, as part of its move into the retail sector. The company purchased the site from Oxford Properties.

Today, The Royal Exchange is known as one of London’s premier luxury shopping destinations. Spanning approximately 51,400 square feet, it hosts a collection of high-end brands, including Tiffany & Co., Hermès and Fortnum & Mason. According to reports, visitor numbers increased by 12% last year, while 99% of the available space is currently occupied by retailers, restaurants and bars.

The Royal Exchange traces its origins back to 1566, when wealthy merchant Sir Thomas Gresham established London’s first purpose-built trading exchange. Inspired by the Bourse in Antwerp, it became a central hub for commerce and finance.

Five years later, in 1571, the building was officially opened by Elizabeth I, who granted it royal status and a licence to sell alcohol. In the following century, additional storeys were added to accommodate retail businesses, helping transform the site into what is often regarded as Britain’s earliest shopping centre.

Over the centuries, The Royal Exchange has played a significant role in British history. It witnessed the proclamation of Edward VII in 1901, survived the Second World War despite suffering bomb damage during the Blitz in 1941, and underwent a major redevelopment before reopening in 2001 as an upscale shopping and dining destination.

Now, with its rich heritage, prime City of London location and strong retail performance, the landmark building is once again seeking a new owner