The Jewish public in the UK is familiar with the name Robin Spiro in connection with his vision and success in Jewish education – The Spiro Institute, The Spiro Ark and Spiroz –a website on Jewish history now in the pipeline.
But very few people, Londoners or tourists, actually know that Robin was also responsible for creating St Christopher’s Place, one of the most charming pedestrian streets right in the heart of the West End; a little Victorian thoroughfare between Oxford Street and Wigmore Street with its continuation into Barrett Street and Gees Court. The area is a haven for shoppers and those who get exhausted by the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street
A large sign has now been placed on the wall of Gees Court near Oxford Street illustrating the history of St Christopher’s Place. A section is devoted to Robin Spiro in recognition of his contribution to this part of London’s West End.
When you are next in the West End make a little D tour to see it. You will find it fascinating.
Please click on the link below to download the sign.
The Daily Telegraph, 11th August 1981
"Once a decaying backwater to the north of Oxford Street, St Christopher's Place has been transformed during the past few years into a thriving shopping location with a high concentration of top quality fashion accessories, through the hard work and perseverance by Robin Spiro..."
Estates Gazette,11th August 1981
"The story of St Christopher's Place goes back to the imagination of Robin Spiro(...) Most observers would agree that the piecemeal approach, of reburshiment and newly-buil infill, over a period of years has enhanced and protected the traditional appearance of the street"
Estates Times, August 1981
"The latest piece of a £15m jigsaw has been put in place (...) The total scheme has been masterminded by Robin Spiro over the last decade. (...) The scheme has involved the restoration of many Victorian building and a large residential element has been included.
Leslie Baker of Conrad Ritblat, who has acted throughout for Greengarden, commented that the funding of the latest building marked a successful conclusion to the concept. This has been preserved by Mr Spiro throughout the ups and downs of the property sector in the 1970s."
The Times, 3rd August 1981
"The development (St Christopher's Place), sited on a once decaying backwater off Oxford Street, has been largely the brainchild of Robin Spiro... It has been transformed into a thriving high-class fashion and fashion accessories shopping centre. Aprt from the shops there are several restaurants and wine bars."
