CBRE has established a dedicated planning division in Scotland and welcomed four new recruits who will work with colleagues covering development, capital markets, and consultancy.
Colin Smith joins the real estate advisor as senior director, bringing over 27 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in the urban living, hospitality, leisure and commercial sectors, CBRE explained Colin will establish the planning team as an integral part of the firm’s service offer in Scotland and across the UK.
Joining Colin as senior director is Kate Donald. Together they will provide advice on projects across Scotland, with a focus on Edinburgh and Glasgow. Kate’s experience in repurposing the built environment, gained over 20 years in planning, will reinforce the team’s ability to deliver high-profile regeneration projects.
The wider team is strengthened by Hannah Munro and James Wall as senior planners. Joining from Turley, the team is advising on several 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.
The appointments bolster CBRE’s existing planning teams that operate across the UK, led by executive directors Iain Jenkinson and Jonathan Stoddart in London.
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.”
Colin 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.”
