Property People

The residential sector is gathering momentum in the major cities. I will be interested to see how the proposed PRS (Private Rented Solutions) both in Leeds and Sheffield progress.

Enquiries have increased significantly for new speculative office developments in Leeds and I hope that Sheffield Retail Quarter will proceed.

What is the best project you have been involved in?

London 2012, having secured several contracts on the Olympic Park and then seeing the whole nation become captivated by the spectacle.

I have since visited Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for new projects and the ongoing change in the whole area is remarkable.

What is your favourite building in the region?

This is hard question but I think the Leeds Arena for its futuristic design and the benefits it has bought to the city both financially and its increased entertainment offer for its residents.

I am probably slightly bias due to the fact that Dearneside carried out the Architectural Metalwork package on this landmark building.

If you could change one thing to improve the property industry in the region, what would it be?

I believe the overall planning process could be improved upon, where large project can take several months for a decision to be made after lengthy delays.

A more collaborative approach from developers, architects and local authorities in needed.

Whom do you admire most in the Yorkshire property industry?

I really can’t pick out a single individual, I have met countless people in the region that warrant inclusion from Architects, Contractors to Highly Skilled Craftsmen that contribute to sector.