Institute of Masters of Wine buys London HQ

The Institute of Masters of Wine is to move from its leased offices in London’s Fitzrovia to a larger and permanent HQ in Vauxhall in December this year.

After many years of dereliction, Battersea Power Station is being turned into a new neighbourhood, and the IMW has bought an office next to the development. Picture source: thisismission.com

The site is within a new building that is part of an extensive area of redevelopment close to the new American and Dutch Embassies, and next to the Battersea Power Station, which is currently being turned into luxury flats (see picture above).

The red arrow shows the location of the new IMW HQ, which is just next to the Battersea Power Station redevelopment. Circles denote nearby train and underground stations

Twice the size of the existing space in Fitzroy Square, the new headquarters will host many of the Institute’s events, as well as providing a tailor-made space to hold study days for its global body of students throughout the year.

The IMW hopes to finalise all the legal and financial processes of the property purchase by early August, and will then spend the next four months fitting it out, before, it is hoped, moving into the new HQ during December 2016.

Commenting on the decision to establish a permanent base for the IMW, chairman of the Institute, Sarah Jane Evans MW said, ‘This is a significant step in the growth of the Institute of Masters of Wine.

“It shows just how much we have grown, and highlights our ambitions for the future in continuing to promote excellence, interaction and learning.

“These purpose-built offices will enable us to give our members and students worldwide more effective support, and to welcome the wider wine community.”