JO LOVE

Property Director

Although our portfolio is separate from the operational estate, it is strategically adjacent and managed to generate ethical, sustainable income, capital receipts, and maximize value through commercial partnerships and collaborations.

The team’s primary focus is on prudent asset stewardship to ensure the long-term protection of the University’s interests.

EDMUND SMITH

Corporate Property & Asset Management Surveyor

Our work encompasses land development, asset management, and the daily management of a diverse portfolio of circa 250 properties that includes retail, residential, office, and science sector properties. We oversee commercial real estate lettings and transactions with academic partners, businesses, and external organizations, while also fostering and expanding collaborative partnerships between the University and external companies.

STEPHEN JENKINS

Building & Investment Projects Surveyor

We serve as an in-house, RICS-accredited real estate knowledge bank. We provide expertise on property and land-related matters to both academic schools and University leadership, ensuring optimal value and safeguarding the University’s interests. This includes property valuation expertise for investment and development viability, asset valuations for financial accounting, disposals and acquisitions, business rates, and buildings insurance.

MARIANNA SPANOYANNIS

Commercial Operations & Resource Manager

The Property Team also acts as the University’s point of contact for managing property consultants, including planning advisors, real estate agents, and legal professionals on matter relating to the tenanted portfolio.

• Partnering with Shinfield Studios and Wokingham Council to deliver the Shinfield Studios - a film studio of nearly 1 million sqft of studio space and 18 purpose built stages.
• Secured significant lettings for the University, including:
  » RSSL/Mondelez International laboratory research facility.
  » Berkshire Health Care Foundation Trust as their regional hub for Speech and Language Services.
  » The Natural History Museum, ensuring respective planning consents for the building and access road approved.
  » Cambridge Educations Group Ltd.
• Led the acquisition of farmland at Riseley and Farley totalling 829 acres on behalf of the University Farm.
• Managing and overseeing the strategic expansion and delivery of Thames Valley Science Park site in Shinfield.