April 10th, 2025

A family legacy

Our Commitment

An Introduction to Weir Bank Group, a family legacy | Weir Bank Group

As a long-established family business, we are devoted to the development and management of distinguished buildings, providing the highest levels of personalised service. Our emotional connection to each property drives our passion for their upkeep and the exceptional quality of service we deliver. Our family history is woven into the fabric of our operations, shaping our ethos and guiding our approach to every project.

A Historical Context

In 1958, amidst a backdrop where “Great Balls of Fire” topped the charts and Sputnik had just launched, Harold Macmillan famously remarked that “most people have never had it so good.” This post-war period was a captivating mix of optimism, ambition for change, and the lingering effects of the Second World War. It was during this transformative time that my father, John Kidd, completed his National Service with the Royal Navy and co-founded Kidd Rapinet Solicitors alongside his friend Michael Rapinet.

Originally situated at 41 Queen Street, Maidenhead, the practice expanded to several offices across the southeast, and grew into a well-respected firm, known for its commitment to client service and community engagement. The top floor of this building held a special significance, serving as the first marital home for each of the founding partners. This building remains a cherished part of our history, and we take great pride in sharing this legacy with our wonderful tenants, who contribute to our ongoing story.

The Journey Begins

In 1960, my father purchased the Queen Street property with a vision to restore the neighbouring listed buildings along the Broadway, which were in a state of disrepair. Throughout the 1960s, he diligently expanded the site, always striving to blend modern technology with the preservation of the buildings’ traditional character and historical significance.

Not one to cut corners, my father’s meticulous approach meant that the project spanned an impressive 40 years. By 2000, we had secured planning permission and listed building consent, paving the way for the transformation of the site into the modern office space it is today. I still smile when visitors arrive for the first time, pleasantly surprised by how the seemlingly small historic building they enter from the street, transforms into a light and bright interior where the old and new seamlessly blend in the warm and inviting central atrium.

A Legacy of Quality and Care

By the time planning consent was achieved, my brother David had developed substantial expertise in building design and redevelopment. My father took immense pride in involving him in every aspect of the building’s regeneration, from stripping it back to bare bones to lovingly rebuilding every inch to deliver his vision and ensure that our family’s legacy of quality and care continued seamlessly.

Since the early 1960s, our family has cultivated a boutique portfolio of properties across southern England. Each building is unique, yet they all share our unwavering commitment to creating quality spaces suited to the needs of local business and residential communities. Together with our dedicated team of professionals, we are proud to deliver the best possible service with a personal touch.

Welcome to Our Journey

We invite you to join us on this journey, as we continue to grow and evolve while honouring our rich heritage in the development and management of exceptional properties. Thank you for being part of our story.

 

Author: Peter Kidd

 

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