BNP PRE hires from Savills for regional development role

BNP Paribas Real Estate has hired Tony Lockwood as a director in its development team, covering the eastern region. Lockwood joins from Savills where he was associate director for 10 years, responsible for valuation, development land agency, consultancy and viability. Before this, he was associate partner in Turner Morum’s agency, investment agency and landlord/tenant team. In his new role, he will be based in the firm’s Chelmsford office and will advise on land agency and development consultancy services. James Marner, head of eastern region development at BNP Paribas Real Estate/Strutt & Parker, said: “The living sector continues to attract significant investment which is weighting the demand for development sites. There are good signs of life out there with a strong strategic market, and national housebuilders buying up stock again, as well as SMEs remaining active on sites under 50 units. “A serious lack of availability and consented schemes are being put forward, particularly across the East, and this year will be tough with the various elections creating uncertainty both locally and nationally. As such, we are bolstering our team with Tony’s expertise to bolster the expertise of our office in what could make for a landmark era of potential change development opportunities, and increased appetite from our clients.”