Avison Young appoints director
The real estate firm has welcomed David Clifton to its place team based at the Manchester office.
Fully qualified master planner Clifton joins from Placefirst where he was land and partnership director.
He has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, having worked for national and regional housebuilders, including Keepmoat and Prospect Homes, as well as property consultancies.
Clifton led on the Fishmoor Drive regeneration scheme in Blackburn during his time at Countryside Properties.
He set up the joint venture company that delivered the 400 home project, in partnership with Blackburn and Darwen Council, and Together Housing.
During this spell at Countryside he also put together a team to manage the design, planning, and financial appraisal process.
As well as this work in the North, Clifton also led major projects in the South, including brownfield regenerations of Kitchener Barracks in Chatham and Springfield Hospital in Wandsworth.
At Avison Young, he will work with colleagues, including those in other regions, on a series of high-profile projects. Clifton will work alongside a team of directors and associate directors targeting business development.
Clifton said: “I look forward to continuing the excellent work already undertaken by the place team, providing the highest quality of service for all clients.”
Barnaby Hillsdon, Principal at Avison Young UK, said: “The experience he [Clifton] brings with him from the residential land market will help to bolster our already strong place team.
“He has an impressive knowledge of the acquisition, planning and disposal process, and his negotiation and analytical skills will help us deliver great work for our clients.”
Barry Crichton, regional managing director for Manchester at Avison Young, added: “David joins the team at a pivotal time for the residential market.
“His experience of growing organisations in sectors like build to rent and brownfield regeneration will be invaluable, as the team navigates ever-changing planning laws and market demands. He’s already demonstrating his impact, supporting the wider Manchester team in delivering great work for our clients.”
