Lovell names new regional MD as company targets further expansion in Wales

Cardiff partnership homes developer Lovell has appointed James Duffett as its new regional managing director for South Wales and the South West.

James began his new role, based at the regional office at Greenmeadow Springs business park, Tongwynlais, Cardiff, at the start of this month.  He moves to Lovell after a 14-year career with Laing O’Rourke where he was commercial leader for major projects in the South West, responsible for key schemes in the residential, healthcare, science, and commercial sectors.

His appointment follows the retirement of previous regional managing director Kate Rees.

“James has exceptional commercial leadership skills and an impressive record in overseeing the delivery of complex, major construction projects,” says Lovell managing director Steve Coleby.

“I am delighted that he will be leading our team in South Wales and the South West where we are targetting a significant expansion of our residential development activities over the next five years.

I am confident the region will benefit from his experience, commitment, loyalty and people-focused leadership style.”

Lovell is set to build more than 300 homes across South Wales and the South West during 2019, and has a forward order book worth £135 million.

James, who is a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, says: “Lovell’s ability to offer clients and partners solutions across the full spectrum of open and affordable housing has made the company a leading player in the region and nationally. I’m delighted to be working with the South Wales and South West team to build on Lovell’s strong presence in the region and bring forward the new homes available through a range of tenures which are needed.”

Key projects currently under way by Lovell in South Wales include The Mill, Canton: West Cardiff’s £100 million trail-blazing urban village which is one of Wales’ largest regeneration programmes. Its 800 homes will comprise358 homes for open market sale by Lovell and 442 homes for rent which will be managed by Cadwyn Housing Association for Tirion Homes.

The company is also building Ymyl Yr Afon, a £25 million, 153-home development at a former colliery site near Merthyr Tydfil.The old Merthyr Vale Colliery will be transformed with 110 two-, three- and four bedroom homes for open market sale as well as 43 affordable homes in partnership with Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association. Other major schemes include the£7.5 million first phase of a wide-ranging regeneration programme by Newport City Home for the Ringland area of Newport. The first stage of work will see the company build 56 modern homes and apartments for social rent in a redevelopment of the Cot Farm estate.In Cwmbran, Lovell is building Oakfield Grange, a £13.6 million development of 55 houses for open market sale and 23 affordable rented homes which are being developed in partnership with Bron Afon Community Housing.