Grosvenor’s McWilliam appointed WPA chair
Westminster Property Association has appointed Craig McWilliam, chief executive of Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, as its new chairman.
He replaces the Crown Estate’s James Cooksey, who has served as WPA chair from December 2016.
McWilliam has spent the past two years as vice-chairman and chair of the WPA’s planning and transportation committee. He has been active in the WPA since 2013.
Westminster Property Association has appointed Craig McWilliam, chief executive of Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, as its new chairman.
He replaces the Crown Estate’s James Cooksey, who has served as WPA chair from December 2016.
McWilliam has spent the past two years as vice-chairman and chair of the WPA’s planning and transportation committee. He has been active in the WPA since 2013.
He said: “We must work with public sector leaders to establish a more open, honest and transparent conversation with the public about choices and trade-offs we face to bring the benefits of investment and development to central London and the West End.
“We will seek to build public trust by pressing for a planning system that is more transparent and accessible to the public – explaining the inherent trade-offs and choices communities, authorities and real estate companies face; as well as better articulating and demonstrating the public benefits that investment and development can bring.”
McWilliam pledged to work with Westminster City Council and the West End Partnership to enable better operations, help mitigate the negative impacts of development and align local needs and investment.
“Supported by the WPA board, we will establish new forums, through which we can openly engage with local residents and amenity societies,” he said.
McWilliam will be supported by two WPA vice-chairs: Olivia Harris, chief executive of affordable housing charity Dolphin Living, and Paul Williams, incoming chief executive of Derwent London.
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