First Garden City Ltd

Sectors:

  • Property activities Garden city development

Notes:

Traced origins to 1902 and formation of Garden City Pioneer Co. 1903 First Garden City Ltd formed to acquire 3,800 acres on which to establish a garden city at Letchworth. Managed by trustees led by (Sir) Ebenezer Howard. Original shareholders included William Lever, George Cadbury, etc. Aimed to relieve overcrowding in urban areas and link people with countrytside. Shareholders were residents, property was transferred only on 99 year lease, ground rents charged and funds raised on mortgage. To frustrate a 1961 takeover by Hotel York Ltd, which had acquired a controlling shareholding via purchases from some residents, assets were transferred to a newly formed public body, Letchworth Garden City Corp

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