CBRE adds viability specialists

The consultancy has launched a national development viability service as part of its planning offer, with Manchester-based pair Matt Spilsbury and Steve Smith joining from Turley to spearhead the venture.

Spilsbury joins as senior director from Turley where he was head of development viability, providing development advisory services to a range of clients across the UK.

CBRE said he specialises in providing robust financial viability analysis and delivering strategic advice to underpin promotion of sites, masterplanning and land assembly, planning applications for major development schemes and to negotiate, renegotiate or critically independently review affordable housing and other planning obligations.

Smith, like Spilsbury, joins from Turley

Smith, who comes on board as associate director, also joins from Turley where he spent six years, previously having spells at Knight Frank and Cushman & Wakefield in a 25-year career gathering expertise on the development process including senior level experience gained in valuation, agency and viability consultancy roles.

The team sits as part of CBRE’s UK planning team, which is advising on more than 90,000 residential units and more than 40m sq ft of commercial development across the country, with regional projects including the Everton FC Bramley-Moore Dock development, approved in March. CBRE is also working on the associated redevelopment of Goodison Park.

Iain Jenkinson, co-lead of the UK planning team at CBRE, said: “As highly regarded development viability specialists, Matt and Steve bring experienced development, valuation, town planning and property market expertise to our growing and successful planning team.

“They have a national remit and will advise across a wide range of sectors including traditional residential, build-to-rent, elderly living, mixed-use, commercial and other business uses. We are delighted to welcome them to the team at such a busy and exciting time and look forward to extending the service to our clients.”