Hammerson has named Simon Betty, the REIT’s retail director for Ireland, as its new managing director for its City Quarters and Developments concept.
Betty will be responsible for driving the City Quarters strategy in the newly created role, as the group shifts its focus away from pure retail and towards mixed-use neighbourhoods near existing flagship destinations.
Betty joined Hammerson in 2006. He will retain his responsibilities for the Irish portfolio in the interim, while the landlord searches for his successor.
In the past three months, Hammerson has gained outline consent for a 7.5-acre masterplan consisting of 1,300 homes and 1.4m sq ft of workspace at Martineau Galleries, Birmingham, and full consent for a new flagship hotel adjacent to Victoria Gate Leeds.
In Dublin, planning has been granted for more than 100 flats at Dundrum Town Centre in South County Dublin, marking Hammerson’s first move into residential development in Ireland.
Hammerson has identified the potential for up to 6,600 homes, 1,600 hotel rooms and nearly 3.2m sq ft of workspace, alongside nine parks and public realm.
David Atkins, chief executive of Hammerson, said, “Simon has been instrumental in establishing our presence in Ireland since we entered the market in 2015 and his experience across the business will be essential for the delivery phase of City Quarters.
“The concept has already made great progress in the last 12 months, and this newly created role will build upon this success, ensuring it delivers value for both stakeholders and local communities.”
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