Lunts to step down as OPDC chief
David Lunts, chief executive of the mayor of London’s development corporation for Old Oak and Park Royal, will step down next year, following five years leading the organisation.
Recruitment for a new OPDC chief executive is underway, and Lunts will remain in post until the new leader is appointed.
Under his leadership, OPDC has overseen the building of thousands of affordable new homes, established a 20-year local plan, secured £240m in public sector funding, acquired strategic sites across Old Oak and secured agreement to unlock 70 acres of brownfield development land around the new HS2 Old Oak Common station.
David Lunts, chief executive of the mayor of London’s development corporation for Old Oak and Park Royal, will step down next year, following five years leading the organisation.
Recruitment for a new OPDC chief executive is underway, and Lunts will remain in post until the new leader is appointed.
Under his leadership, OPDC has overseen the building of thousands of affordable new homes, established a 20-year local plan, secured £240m in public sector funding, acquired strategic sites across Old Oak and secured agreement to unlock 70 acres of brownfield development land around the new HS2 Old Oak Common station.
Since 2019, Lunts has led OPDC in working closely with residents, boroughs, government and rail agencies to produce a new Old Oak masterplan to create a super-connected canalside district. Plans include 9,000 homes, tens of thousands of jobs and new amenities, parks and plazas in a new and revitalised neighbourhood for west London.
Lunts also currently sits on the board of the York-based Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust and is vice chair of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “Under David’s leadership, OPDC is transforming this area of London, with ambitious plans that will deliver thousands of homes and tens of thousands of jobs.
“I want to thank David for his hard work over the last five years, which has made a vital and lasting contribution to the creation of this exciting new neighbourhood, as we work to build a better and more prosperous city for all.”
Lunts added: “After five amazing years at OPDC, now is the right time to make way for new leadership as our plans shift towards the appointment of our strategic delivery partners. It has been a privilege to work with such a talented and passionate team who, together with our partners, boroughs, residents and businesses, have put in place the foundations for exciting and lasting change in this incredible part of west London.
“I am delighted that Dame Karen Buck is joining us as the new chair of OPDC’s board, and she will be leading the recruitment of my successor, who will have the privilege of spearheading the delivery of our vision for Old Oak and Park Royal.”
