CBRE has launched a new dedicated planning division in Scotland.
The property firm has assembled a team of four senior professionals to lead the division, which comes amid increasing focus on how Scotland’s town and city centres can recover from the pandemic and other challenges facing the high street.
New arrivals include senior directors Colin Smith, who has more than 27 years of experience in the field. He has been tasked to establish the planning team as an integral part of the CBRE service offer in Scotland and across the UK and to drive growth across sectors and geographies.
Kate Donald, who has 20 years industry experience, has also joined the team as senior director, and will work alongside Smith to advise on projects across Scotland, with a focus on Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The team, which also includes Hannah Munro and James Wall as senior planners, is already advising on several landmark projects, including New Town Quarter and Ocean Terminal in Edinburgh, Blindwells New Community in East Lothian, and Summix Capital’s mixed-use development at Glasgow’s Central Quay.
Chris Dougray, head of development at CBRE Scotland, said: “Planning is the key to driving transformational regeneration, and it is no secret that the landscape in Scotland is both dynamic and complex. Whilst we cannot ignore the significant immediate challenges, this comes with great opportunity.
“Matching a best in class planning proposition to the range and scale of the CBRE platform throughout the UK and internationally makes for an exciting opportunity for our clients. Our new planning team in Scotland is a great cultural fit with the UK team and allows us to grow north of the border.
“It is fantastic to welcome Colin, Kate and the wider team, who will be instrumental in re-shaping and enhancing Scotland’s towns and cities.”
Smith added: “We are joining CBRE at an exciting period of change in Scotland, where regeneration and economic growth is at the top of the agenda for the Scottish Government. There is great opportunity to drive meaningful change, and I look forward to contributing to that momentum.
“CBRE is a trusted advisor to some of the biggest players in the international real estate market and we will collaborate with teams internally to ensure clients have access to our full, integrated offer. Kate, Hannah, and James have outstanding experience, advising on some of Scotland’s most complex regeneration projects in recent times. This stands us in great stead for the next chapter of CBRE in Scotland.”
