College Of Law, 2 Bunhill Row, EC1Y 8HQ

What was argued and what the tribunal found

The University of Law appealed the valuation of 2 Bunhill Row, a former Royal Mail headquarters substantially redeveloped in 2005 for university use, challenging the Valuation Officer's use of office rental values at £2,030,000 RV. The appellant contended that converting back to office use would require major alterations (additional service corridor with lifts, air conditioning reconfiguration, raised floors, removal of ground floor facilities), exceeding the 'minor alterations' threshold established in Williams v Scottish & Newcastle. The tribunal found the appellant's contractor's basis valuation of £540,000 was appropriate, particularly persuaded by comparable evidence from Cass Business School directly opposite and the 2010 tribunal decision for the same property, and rejected the Valuation Officer's comparable office properties which were purpose-built offices subsequently fitted for university use requiring only minor modifications to revert.

Summary generated from the decision text and checked against it. The appellant was The University of Law, represented.

Grounds argued

• Valuation method
• Floor area or measurement
• Rental evidence

Evidence

Settled assessments, Earlier tribunal decisions, Photographs, Expert report

Cases cited

Williams (VO) v Scottish and Newcastle Retail Ltd; Gardiner & Theobald LLP v David Jackson (VO)

Hearing

6 August 2025

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