Catalyst in talks over Surrey partnership

Housing associations Catalyst and Rosebery are negotiating a potential partnership to expand development in London and the South East. The pair are in early talks over Rosebery joining Catalyst as a subsidiary company. Proposals have yet to be approved by the board. Catalyst has a portfolio of 32,000 homes in the region and Rosebery has 2,700 homes, concentrated around Epsom and the surrounding areas. Rosebery is seeking a partner to ramp up development in its expanded area. The move would give Catalyst greater presence in Surrey, following recent expansion in the home counties. Ian McDermott (pictured), chief executive at Catalyst, said: “Myself, our board and my executive team are open to thoughtful, gradual growth opportunities. The potential of this partnership would fit that philosophy.” Catalyst is one of the largest housing associations in London and the South East. Its growth has been powered through mergers adding new geographies to its footprint. The most recent saw it move into the Oxford-Cambridge arc, partnering with Aldwyck to create Catalyst London and Catalyst Counties at the end of last year, with plans to boost development to 1,300 homes a year by 2022. To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@egi.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @estatesgazette