Property People: GVA continues PMC expansion with double appointment; Senior hire for developer; and more

GVA has continued to expand its property management consultancy (PMC) team in the Midlands with two appointments.

Lydia Collins has joined GVA as a surveyor from Darby Kaye Property in Coleshill and will be working on projects including Birmingham’s Brindleyplace, Brunswick Arcade and the Assay Buildings on Newhall Street.

Rebecca Halbert will be working as a marketing manager, building on experience gained in at Millennium Point in the city, and will be delivering destination marketing for a range of schemes including Brindleyplace, Swinton Shopping Centre and Chesterfield Waterside.

Guy Thompson, GVA, said: “Our PMC team is going from strength to strength and the demand for our services in Birmingham and the wider region has created significant growth opportunities.

“Both Lydia and Rebecca will be working on a range of schemes including Brindleyplace, where we have recently been retained by Hines UK to provide property management services.

“I’ve no doubt that with their skillsets, they will make a great contribution to our team, enhancing out outstanding range of existing talent.”

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A project manager who led the delivery of a £550m redevelopment in the Midlands has joined Birmingham-based Henry Davidson Developments (HDD).

Guy Scott has been appointed by HDD, the developer of retail-led mixed-use schemes, as it continues to bolster its presence with a range of new projects across the country.

The former project director of the £550m Lawley Village Sustainable Urban Extension in Telford joins HDD from Arcadis, where he led the Birmingham City Hospital redevelopment, a strategic land development project for Leicester City Council and also the scheme to relocate Warwick DC offices within a new mixed use development in Leamington Spa.

His 30-year career also includes spells at Persimmon Homes West Midlands and EC Harris, where he was involved in a major inner city community regeneration scheme in Higher Broughton, Salford.

Scott also led the project and commercial management commission for Sainsbury’s new build stores within the West Midlands and was involved in a major residential-led regeneration project in North Solihull with an estimated value of £1.5bn.

HDD managing director Scott Davidson said: “We’ve known Guy for some years through our work on the Lawley Village development. He’s someone I admire for his wide range of project management skills gained during an impressive career. His track record speaks for itself, and I’m delighted that he’s agreed to join the team here at Henry Davidson Developments.”
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Les Balla has joined Birmingham-based independent commercial property agency KWB as a senior director in the commercial property Management team, from SDL Property Management.

At KWB Balla, who has more than 35 years’ experience working in Birmingham commercial property management, will provide a full range of property and asset management advice to private clients on offices, industrial and retail schemes.

Balla says: “I’ve advised high net worth individuals, family trusts and small property companies on all aspects of their commercial property assets for the whole of my career to date, and this will not change with my move to KWB.

“However, my clients will be able to benefit from many more services, as KWB is one of the most rounded independent commercial property agencies in the West Midlands, with surveyors working across many different areas to provide its clients with a comprehensive service.”

John Bryce, director of KWB Group says: “We are delighted to welcome such an experienced and high profile director as Les, to work alongside Mark Lenton, head of KWB Property & Asset Management, and to continue to grow our fast expanding property and asset management business.  He will be a real asset.”
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Following the recent acquisition of Eaton Design Architects, Justin Smith Architects has expanded its team.

Phil Cooper joins as business development manager while Chris Wood takes on the role of lead chartered architectural technologist.

Oliver Johns, who joined the practice last year for a gap year of professional practice, has now been offered a permanent role at the practice.

Justin Smith said: “With our practice evolving and commercial relationships growing, we felt it has been important to add additional talent, experience and versatility to our team. We are delighted to bring our new team members onboard”.