About us

1958 was a curious mixture of optimism and uncertainty set against the backdrop of post war austerity. Sputnik had just launched; Harold Wilson was soon to urge us to embrace the “white heat” of technology yet rationing only officially ceased in Britain four years earlier. Against this backdrop my father, John Kidd, having just completed his National Service with the Royal Navy, co-founded Kidd Rapinet Solicitors with Michael Rapinet.

The practice, which expanded rapidly across London and the southeast, was originally housed at 41 Queen Street, Maidenhead. The top floor of this building, which we still own, holds special meaning, as it served in turn as the first marital home for each of the founding partners.

By 1960, my father had purchased the Queen Street property and slowly added the neighbouring buildings which had fallen into disrepair. This decades long project finally came to fruition in 2000 when work started on the major redevelopment of the central listed building. My brother David, who adds considerable expertise in design and redevelopment, worked on every aspect of the regeneration. Dad took immense pride in being able to work together with David on a project which had so much personal meaning for him and David continues to be heavily involved in every one of our properties.

Queen Anne House set the template for everything that followed — a development that is sustainable, high quality and rooted in its community. Our buildings embrace modern technology without sacrificing their character, and every site in our portfolio has been chosen not by rational business strategy alone, but because we believe each one is a genuinely outstanding example of its type, important to its location, and capable of being improved through careful, long-term management.

From those early developments in the 1970s, the Weir Bank Group portfolio has grown considerably. We now manage a diverse range of commercial and residential property across the South of England and West Midlands — from offices and warehouse space to residential apartments, farmland, retail units and hospitality venues. Our key locations include Maidenhead, Bray-on-Thames, Worcester, Farnborough, Winkfield and Fareham.

Today, our headquarters are shared between Queen Anne House in Maidenhead and Weir Bank Estate in Bray-on-Thames — two properties that embody everything we stand for as a business.

Weir Bank Estate occupies a unique position on the banks of the River Thames in Bray, Berkshire. Originally a private country house estate, the main house was lost to fire in 1970, but the grounds — including an Edwardian swimming pool, a riverside summer house and mature orchards — retain a strong connection to the estate’s history. Today, Weir Bank Estate is home to Bray Business Centre, offering offices to rent in a distinctive riverside setting, and a prestigious events and wedding venue on 16 private acres of Thames-side grounds. Our ongoing development programme continues to modernise the estate’s buildings and facilities while celebrating and preserving its heritage.

At Weir Bank Group, every property we manage reflects the same values: quality, character, community and a commitment to the long term.

In a modest way our buildings have helped shape the local environment for residents and businesses. We take that responsibility seriously.

Once again, we are on the verge of major technological changes which will have a significant impact on our homes and offices. I am extremely optimistic that, with the support of our dedicated team of professionals, we are embracing these developments and will continue to provide excellent services and buildings in which our local communities can thrive.

We welcome you to the portfolio.

Peter Kidd
(March 2025)