The Harley Street BID is made up of an array of fantastic businesses, organisations and practices.
Each month, we spend some time getting to know one of the people that call Harley Street home.
This month we’re meeting Chris Meloy, Campus Services Manager at University of Westminster – Marylebone Campus and Hall of Residence.
Describe your average day.
Marylebone is a busy campus with around 8000 students who study here, a hall of residence and a massive subterranean event space (Ambika P3), my role involves ensuring that all aspects of the building run well, this ranges from the building maintenance, cleaning to catering and security. I am based on campus most of the time. I like to use my time onsite to get out and about, meeting colleagues and building users then spending my time at home to catch up on email, admin and teams meetings.
How did you get to where you are today?
I studied Leisure Management at university, starting my career in local authority leisure, managing swimming pools and a golf course.
I then moved into higher education, managing the sport and leisure provision at Westminster, then went on to spend a number of years as the University’s Business Manager developing the conference, events and summer accommodation sales activities.
A restructure within the Estates department saw the introduction of my current role and it felt like the right time for a new challenge.
How has Covid-19 impacted your organisation?
Operating a university campus in the pandemic was exceptionally challenging, whilst we deliver our teaching and learning face to face, the university has seen a shift in the amount of time spent in the office for some, with many colleagues choosing to work from home some of the time, allowing them to have a better work life balance.
What do you like most about being based on Harley Street?
It’s a fantastic area – safe, well presented with good food, drink and shopping complimented by great transport links.
What are your thoughts on the future of the Harley Street Area?
I’m very optimistic, the University is about to commence refurbishment of our currently unused building at 29 Marylebone road, to create a new hub for enterprise and industry to come together.
Accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability will be at the heart of this venue, featuring creative spaces, exhibition and event space, along with state of the art training facilities including a digital studio and maker space. Further information on this fantastic addition to the area can be found here.
How does the Harley Street BID support your business?
I am looking forward to various forthcoming projects that the BID is investigating, particularly; greening, improved direction finding and air quality initiatives.
How could a visitor to the area spend their time here?
Walk around Regent Park, pop into Tussauds and pose with a celeb then over to Marylebone high Street for shopping and a spot of lunch.
Any particular recommendations or hidden gems?
Moxon street – if you like cheese the fromagerie is the place to go with its fantastic cheese room and knowledgeable staff. Directly next door is the Ginger Pig, a fantastic butcher who run some great evening events where you can meet the team, learn a bit about meat preparation then enjoy a fantastic meal and a glass of wine or two. For something a bit more casual and Tommi’s does a fantastic burger!
If you could describe the Harley Street area in three words, what would they be?
Full of surprises.
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