Developer London Square has appointed Simon Dudley as chair of its for-profit affordable housing arm.
Dudley has been a non-executive director at Homes England since 2017, including a stint as interim chair, following the departure of Eddie Lister.
Earlier this year he joined Ebbsfleet Development Corporation as chairman. Dudley was previously leader of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead between 2007 and 2019.
London Square first unveiled plans for its affordable housing business at the end of last year. Square Roots will apply for approval as a for-profit registered provider of social housing and aims to expand through acquisitions and tapping London Square’s £500m pipeline of affordable assets.
Its first scheme will be Axion House, where the developer is delivering on behalf of Federated Hermes’ residential platform, Hestia.
London Square was established by founder and chief executive Adam Lawrence in 2010. Lawrence, a former regional chairman at housebuilder Barratt, launched the company under a private sales model, with funding from Graphite Capital and later Ares Management.
Amid challenges in the capital’s for-sale market, London Square has diversified to include a commercial arm, Square Works, a partnerships division, London Square Partners, the affordable business, Square Roots, and, most recently this year, a build-to-rent business, London Square Living.
Adam Lawrence, chief executive, London Square, said: “Simon Dudley has an outstanding track record in the sector, as a current senior independent director and former chair of Homes England, as a former council leader and with his recent appointment as chair of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation.
“We are delighted that he will be chairing Square Roots, bringing his exceptional experience and knowledge to support the housing provider’s planned growth as a significant provider of affordable homes in Greater London.”
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