Crown Estate appoints director for 11,000-home scheme

The Crown Estate has appointed a former U+I director to a new role heading up its 11,000-home planned project around Hemel Hempstead. Matthew Sampson, who started in the position in March, will oversee the company’s Hemel Garden Communities project at East Hemel, and will report to director for regional Hannah Milne. The mixed-use residential scheme, drawn up with Dacorum Borough Council, St Albans City and District Council and Hertfordshire County Council, is projected to bring more than 40% affordable homes as part of the development over the coming decades. Sampson has previously worked on U+I’s 5,000-home Cambridge Northern Fringe East residential scheme, as well as other projects in the south of England. He is also chair of the British Property Federation’s Development Committee, and sits on Project for Public Spaces’ Placemaking Leadership Council. Milne said: “At East Hemel, we have an opportunity to help shape a new and thriving place – working together with our partners and local people to create new homes, employment opportunities, and raise the bar on designing for community, wellbeing, and sustainability.   “Matthew’s expertise in mixed-use regeneration will bring a new dimension to our business, and help us understand further opportunities in the current regional portfolio.” Sampson added: “I’m really excited to be joining Hannah and the team at a point where the business is looking at new opportunities for its current assets. “Our ownership within Hemel Garden Communities provides one of many opportunities in the regional portfolio where The Crown Estate can work collaboratively and considerately, to deliver exemplar regeneration projects and make a positive impact on the community.” To send feedback, e-mail alex.daniel@egi.co.uk or tweet @alexmdaniel or @estatesgazette Image © The Crown Estate