Motcomb Estates mourns founder Robin Turner

Industry veteran Malcolm Robin Turner passed away peacefully on 6 October, aged 87.

Turner started his property career after returning from his national service in Hong Kong. He trained as chartered surveyor at Marler & Marler, via the College of Estate Management, and subsequently rose quickly to become a partner there in the 1960s. Turner was a notable figure in the company’s relationship with Capital & Counties, and was instrumental in the sale of the Knightsbridge Estate to the BP Pension Fund in the mid to late 1970s.

Turner, who had been managing the Reuben brothers’ property at Marler & Marler, founded Motcomb Estates in 1989 to lead the entrepreneurs’ rapidly growing portfolio. On behalf of Reuben Brothers, Turner led on the purchases of iconic London buildings including Connaught House, Market Towers and Millbank Tower, as well as the privatisation of Chelsfield and the acquisition of the Wellington Pub Company.

Turner continued to work at Motcomb well past retirement age and right up until his sudden illness last month. He remained highly influential in Reuben Brothers’ developments, such as the Piccadilly Estate, and recent purchases such as 33 Jermyn Street and the Armani Building on New Bond Street.

Away from work, Turner enjoyed motor racing (he was connected with the Charles Ivey Porsche team at Le Mans), rugby (although he was involved with several west London football clubs too in a business capacity), gardening, woodwork and a fine pub lunch.

Much loved husband of Julia, father of Sarah and Nicki, brother of Heather and grandfather of Ben.

For details of his memorial service, please contact jmoshi@motcomb.co.uk

Donations welcome to Marie Curie via the Robin Turner Just Giving page.