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Commonwealth Institute Building, London, UK

"The Kensington site has been a significant burden on an organisation with no other resources. Five years ago Commonwealth governments recognised that it was not symbolic of our modern Commonwealth and the funds locked up in it should be released." - Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon

Commonwealth Institute sells Kensington site

18 May 2007

Sale will allow the Institute to focus once again on its historic objective of advancing education across the Commonwealth

The Commonwealth Institute has sold its prestigious property in Kensington, London.

The Institute is a Trust with the primary objective of advancing education across the Commonwealth, as endorsed by Commonwealth leaders and education ministers.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon, who is one of the Trustees, said the benefits of the sale will be felt across the Commonwealth for years to come: “The Kensington site has been a significant burden on an organisation with no other resources. Five years ago, Commonwealth governments recognised that it was not symbolic of our modern Commonwealth and the funds locked up in it should be released. This sale will allow the Institute to focus on its objective.

"The funds unlocked from the sale will be invested by the Trust and the income will be directed to ensuring improvements in the access to and quality of education offered to tomorrow’s Commonwealth citizens.”

Commenting on the sale, fellow Trustee and Nigerian High Commissioner Christopher Kolade said: “It is a particularly welcome outcome as support for the education of Commonwealth children is so critical to the future welfare of us all.”