Willmott Dixon’s residential arm, Willmott Residential, has appointed London’s former deputy mayor for housing, Richard Blakeway, as strategic adviser to support the company’s growth ambitions of expanding its private sale and build-to-rent portfolio.
Willmott Residential was formed by Willmott Dixon in May this year to grow its residential development pipeline. It has a significant presence in developing homes for sale through its Prime Place arm and private rent through Be:here, with 7,500 units in construction or pending development.
In addition, Willmott Partnership Homes builds 2,000 homes a year for a client base that includes housing associations, developers and local authorities.
Richard Blakeway was deputy mayor for housing at the Greater London Authority (GLA) between 2008-2016, working closely with the then mayor Boris Johnson to formulate and deliver London’s housing strategy. After leaving the GLA, he spent a number of months at No 10 Downing Street advising the Cameron government on housing policy, applying his experience at the GLA on a national basis.
In his new role, Blakeway will provide strategic advice to support Willmott Residential’s aim to increase development volume across London in partnership with local authorities and other land owners, especially in growing its build-for-rent business Be:here.
Nic Simpkin, chief executive at Willmott Residential, said: “Richard brings a tremendous breadth of knowledge of housing with a proven track-record for unlocking opportunities to deliver significant numbers of homes while at the GLA.
“I’m delighted Ric’s experience is going to play a key role in the next phase of our growth as we target new land opportunities, including creating a real step change in build-for-rent homes, with our next development in Hayes for 118 homes being delivered next month and developments at Barking and Kew ready to start having obtained planning consents.”
Blakeway said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to play an important part in Willmott Residential’s growth. I’ve been impressed with how its build-for-rent company Be:here has raised the bar for this emerging asset class and given the huge availability of institutional investment in money for build-for-rent, coupled with the significant need, we can really increase the availability of quality homes for people to rent.”
