News

Turley primed to capitalise on growing property investment with senior hire in London

We have responded to rising levels of investment in the capital’s real estate sector with the senior appointment of Ben Wrighton.

As the new head of planning for our London office, Wrighton brings with him more than 20 years’ experience working closely with investors and developers to realise major retail, commercial and mixed-use development projects.

London was ranked as the top city for global real estate investment in 2017, with research* showing that investment increased by as much as 35% in the capital.

The move is part of ongoing major strategic growth ambitions for our practice in London. Since appointing former Lord Mayor of London, Sir Michael Bear as Chair in 2017, we have grown our service offering in the city through a host of London-based senior appointments. Joanna Ede has been appointed to lead our visual impact assessment service and Nick Jones to head up strategic communications, which means Ben is the third senior hire in London in the last 12 months.

We have also re-shaped leadership of our growing London office by appointing senior director Roger Mascall as head of London, in addition to his current role leading the national heritage service.    

Talking about Wrighton’s appointment Turley's chair, Sir Michael Bear said:

“The new London Plan and record levels of global investment in the capital present major opportunities across all of our services, both in central London and the outer zones.

“We are undertaking serious transformation in London and Ben’s appointment is another step towards our strategic aim to tap into further rich seams of work in the capital.

 “Ben has a wealth of experience in fulfilling the needs of developer and investor clients and this aligns with aspects of our future growth ambitions. With so much inward investment in the UK flowing through London, we are seeing fantastic opportunities for involvement in major regeneration and place-making in the city and beyond.”

Ben Wrighton added:

“I am delighted to start my new role with Turley, especially at a time of such ambition and growth, and with such a variety of complicated and interesting projects in London.

“Turley’s holistic approach adds great value for clients. I look forward to leading the planning team in London and working alongside colleagues across the full range of complementary services.”

Turley has experience across all 32 London boroughs and is currently working on a number of major schemes including Camden Goods Yard, Great Ormond Street Hospital, the former American Embassy and Whiteleys shopping centre.

*JLL, London tops global real estate investment despite Brexit uncertainty, January 2018

26 July 2018