Property developer builds foundations for expansion in the North

Artisan Real Estate is restructuring its UK-wide operation following confirmation that UK property director, Clive Wilding, is stepping away from the business during the next few months into retirement.

His departure from his operational role heralds an expansion of the company’s UK-wide business network, in accordance with its succession planning, including the launch of a North of England operation headquartered in Leeds.

The North of England business will now be headed up James Bulmer who has been promoted to regional development director and is supported by a newly recruited seven-strong in-house team combining full development function with a direct build capability – spanning project management, commercial, technical and sales.

This includes the appointment of Stacey Finneran as regional sales manager.

Artisan’s initial focus will be predominately large-scale residential brownfield development as the company looks to focus predominately on sustainable and low carbon projects in the Leeds area and further afield across Yorkshire.

Artisan North launched its first major project in late 2021 – the £65m Kirkstall Place scheme for 263-new homes now currently under construction.

The five-acre site, formerly home to Kirkstall District Centre, is due to be completed in 2024.

The developer has also recently acquired an 11-acre site next to the Salts Mill World Heritage Site, in Saltaire, with proposals being prepared to create a new residential led mixed-use community.

Bulmer said: “We are now in a superb position to capitalise on the growth and investment in Leeds and the wider Yorkshire areas.

“Our Kirkstall Place development will provide an ideal springboard to take forward the Artisan model of sustainable low carbon development on brownfield sites in sensitive environmental areas.

“Our next development in Saltaire will provide the perfect example of the kind of innovative and ambitious transformational development that has defined the Artisan approach across the rest of the UK.”

Jaco Jansen, chief executive officer, said: “Artisan has enjoyed spectacular UK regional growth since the company was established in 2009 as an independent, entrepreneurial, values-led property developer and investor.

“Since day one, Clive has been instrumental in driving forward this success, identifying and delivering pioneering complex mixed-use developments which have transformed cities across the UK – and made a fundamental difference to how people live their lives.

“We are now building on this remarkable legacy and significantly expanding our regional presence across the north of England, strengthening and investing more in a local, experienced team.”

Wilding is retiring after 46 years in the property industry. Having stepped down from the Board in March 2022, he will continue to support Artisan in an advisory capacity for the remainder of the year.

He said: “I have been immensely fortunate to have been involved in some truly memorable and development projects during my time at Artisan.

“I am especially pleased to have shone the development spotlight firmly on high-quality city centre regional development.

“It is fitting that our regional offices now have the right platform to build on that legacy and continue to deliver transformational development to the benefit of our people, our cities and our wider environment.”

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