Dr Nikhil Shah is elected onto the Hyde Park and Paddington Steering Group

There are 18 members of the Steering Group. As the Hyde Park and Paddington Neighbourhood Area has been designated a ‘Business Area’ by Westminster City Council, nine people are drawn from the local resident population, and nine from the local business scene.

Dr Nikhil Shah and other members of the Forum were elected to the Steering Group at the Forum’s General Meeting on 26 February 2019.

Nikhil read Mathematics at the University of Cambridge before completing a PhD at Imperial College London (Earth Sciences & Engineering). He is known for his vision and impact in business covering both the energy and real estate industries.

Dr Shah and his family have been shaping Paddington’s future since 1998 when they acquired their first hotel in Paddington; Mercure London Hyde Park in Talbot Square. They then went on to invest in a further two properties: Mercure London Paddington in 2004 and Hotel Indigo London Paddington in 2007.

Dr Shah made his first personal investment ten years ago in Paddington at the young age of 25 when he bought his first flat on Southwick Street. He is an active member of the community; in 2016 he helped organise a street party on Albion Street for the residents of Connaught Village to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday and has attended PaddingtonNow BID meetings in the past. Dr Shah understands the neighbourhood from all aspects, both as a resident and business owner.