Property People

There are some very encouraging signs in the property market at the moment, driven by the focus on the creation of a ‘Northern Hub’ and the expectations around HS2.

In Leeds, the new Victoria Gate shopping centre and new developments on Whitehall Road are proof of the buoyancy of the office and retail market in the city centre.

The Holbeck and Kirkstall schemes are further indications of the strength of the property market.

In Bradford, the picture is similar, with schemes such as The Broadway Shopping Centre and speculative commercial development near the M606 showing the appetite for good quality properties.

What is the biggest project you have been involved in?

Recently, Turner Developments’ Riverside and Aireside Business Parks in Keighley, which comprised 17 acres close to the town centre.

I was very proud to be involved in these significant regeneration schemes which have brought many benefits to the local community, not least in providing jobs for over 400 people.

What is your favourite building in the region?

Salt Mills in Saltaire.

Titus Salt had the vision back in 1853 to recognise that providing employment, education, housing and transport, and looking after people’s health and wellbeing, was essential to generating wealth and prosperity.

Salt’s Mill and Saltaire created a blueprint that we are still following today.

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

Having a joined up transport policy.

Whom do you admire most in the Yorkshire property industry?

Those companies which continued to trade through the last recession and are now reaping the rewards for taking a long term view on the market.