Muse recruits Darby

After a decade at Bruntwood, Tom Darby has joined rival Muse as development director.

Darby will be based out of Muse’s Salford office, working with the North West team on the £100m Prestwich Village masterplan and the £2.5bn Crescent Salford.

In addition to Bruntwood, Darby’s past also includes roles at Living Ventures and Nikal.

“Tom has a wealth of experience,” said Phil Marsden, managing director for the North West at Muse. “He will be invaluable as we progress our exciting and ambitious pipeline across the region.

“His knowledge of commercial and innovation-led regeneration will be crucial as we push forward with our plans for Crescent Salford and the sustainable regeneration of Prestwich Village,” Marsden continued.

“The last 12 months have been exceptional in terms of growth and Tom’s appointment marks a strong 2024 in which we have invested in our team and our capabilities across the North West.”

For his part, Darby said he was “proud” to be part of the Muse team.

Darby said: “Building on the team’s track record, and adding my own experience, we will continue to deliver outstanding regeneration and placemaking.”

In addition to its work in Salford and Prestwich, Muse’s North West team is working with St Helens Council on the £30m regeneration of Earlestown, with Stockport Council on the £250m Stockport 8, with Oldham Council on the £550m transformation of the town centre, and with Manchester City Council on the revitalisation of Wythenshawe’s district centre.

The Earlestown and Stockport projects are being delivered by ECF, a consortium that includes Muse as well as Legal & General and Homes England.