Ridgeford Properties Works With London Businesses and Residents to Launch Local Portland Village Association

LONDON, July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Chris Murray, Chief Executive of Ridgeford Properties, last night (12 July) joined business representatives and residents from around Great Portland Street to launch the Portland Village Association.

The Association, which has been established by members of the local community, will focus specifically on issues that concern those who work and live in the north-eastern edge of Marylebone.

The organisation will provide a platform to help local businesses and residents work together as well as creating a new link with local government.

The main objectives of the organisation include:

• Promoting and protecting the interests of residents, businesses and stakeholders in the area
• Attracting tourists and locals to Great Portland Street
• Encouraging the improvement of amenities in the area

The launch, held at the Royal Institute of British Architects, was attended by representatives from the surrounding community. Local businesses and residents who are yet to join the Association were encouraged to do so.

Chris Murray, Chief Executive of Ridgeford Properties and one of the founding members of the Portland Village Association, said:

"There is a lot going on around Great Portland Street and the Portland Village Association is a great way to bring local businesses and residents together to promote, improve and enhance the area.

"The local community can be a powerful force for change and with cuts to local government it is more important than ever that communities work together."

Portland Village comprises north eastern Marylebone and the western edges of Fitzrovia. Great Portland Street is at the heart of the area. While being close to the calm of Regent's Park, it is also only a short walk to upmarket Marylebone High Street and the bustle of London's West End.

Notes to Editors

Ridgeford Properties is a property company that specialises in high-quality commercial and residential developments. Since its formation in 1996, Ridgeford Properties has created more than 500,000 sq. ft. of high-quality accommodation in central London and is the leading property developer in the Marylebone and Fitzrovia areas. Its success comes from adapting global real estate concepts in order to provide London with imaginatively designed buildings that deliver exceptional value for its customers.