The Interview – Alistair Baines
TheBusinessDesk.com speaks to Alistair Baines, chairman at Preston and Chester-based architectural and planning consultancy practice, Cassidy + Ashton.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the property sector in the North West right now?
Although banks are still being cautious about lending, I’d say that planning regulations remain one of the biggest challenges. However, thanks to relaxed regulations, there seems to be a more positive outlook toward projects.
If you could improve anything in the region, what would it be?
The North West has so much potential and it is good to see how places like Manchester and Liverpool have experienced so much growth through regeneration and high quality buildings. They have created a true ‘sense of place’ which many of the provincial towns and cities in the region should be inspired by. It is also good to see my home town of Blackpool showing significant signs of recovery, building upon a strong heritage and reaping the benefits of a healthy public/private partnership. We possess so many attributes in the region we just need to continue to build to our strengths.
Looking into your crystal ball, what are your property predictions for the next six months?
Thanks to investment from private developers, momentum is really starting to build and I am sure that growth in the sector will continue. As architects we are involved in the very early stages of a project and having had one the busiest first quarters in a very long time, many of the projects will come to fruition before the end of the year.
What is the best project you’ve been involved in?
The Riley Sixth Form Centre at Bolton School. It’s been a delight to see our designs of the £7m centre come to life and be recognised at industry awards. A close second is Leyland St Mary’s School which hit the headlines in September 2012 when it was attacked by arsonists. Although devastating, the incident provided an opportunity for the school to be re-designed to provide more flexible accommodation.
Name the person who has most inspired you and the one who has had the biggest influence on your career?
Without doubt, my mother. She always encouraged me to achieve my goals and believed a decent education, good manners and trying your best are the simple ingredients to success.
If your career didn’t exist, what would you do?
I’d follow in my father’s footsteps and be a professional golfer. I’ve always enjoyed golf and being outside, but unfortunately the only time I get to play these days is at corporate events.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The variety of projects and diversity of people I meet. Thankfully our project portfolio comprises anything from primary school refurbishments to multi-million pound commercial developments, so having the opportunity to get creative, develop a design and bring it to life is very gratifying.
