23/11/2021
Niall Southwell joins property investment and development company as Project Director – Development
Cambridge-based property investor and developer Howard Group has announced the appointment of Niall Southwell to the new role of Project Director – Development.
Recognised as a key deliverer of lab-enabled space in the Cambridge Cluster, Howard Group’s second phase of Unity Campus - the next available new purpose-built space for life science companies in South Cambridge - will be Niall’s initial focus.
In line with Howard Group’s core objectives to deliver commercial, environmental, and social value, Unity Campus is at a very exciting stage in its evolution. Niall will ensure the successful delivery of 95,000 sq ft of lab-enabled space in the next phase, working in close collaboration with the Howard Group team and external professional partners.
Niall has an exemplary career track record of delivering a broad range of complex and high-profile development and building projects. During his 13 years at Moorfield Group, Niall worked as Development Manager in private equity real estate fund management, most recently responsible for the Group’s development and construction activity across a variety of office, student accommodation, build to rent (BTR), retail, distribution, and senior living projects in the UK. Previously, Niall worked for 10 years at Simons Group, in a variety of commercial, construction and project management roles.
In his personal and charitable endeavours, Niall has completed six London Marathons and several long-distance cycles and triathlons. He has organised and participated in a number of charity events including eight Three Peaks Challenges and a Spanish Three Peaks event, climbing Mont Blanc, and cycling London to Paris.
Werner Baumker, Group Director – Property, Howard Group said: “We are delighted to welcome Niall to the team at a significant stage in the delivery of Howard Group’s ambitious and demand-driven development programme. Unity Campus is a critically important asset for the Cambridge Cluster and wider region, and we are excited about various pre-let conversations we are engaged in ahead of ground and buildings works starting in 2022.
“Niall’s 33 years of experience and aligned values will further enhance Howard Group’s purpose of improving and enriching lives through responsible investing and development, assisting us as we accelerate projects both in Cambridge and further afield.
“As Niall joins us, we also bid farewell to Colin Brown, who after 10 years with Howard Group is leaving to join Mission Street in early 2022. We would like to thank Colin for his commitment and enthusiasm over the last decade and wish him well in this exciting new phase of his career.”
Niall Southwell added: "I’m thrilled to be joining a company and team which demonstrably lives by its values to drive and deliver exceptional development programmes where they are most needed with positive societal impact at their core.
“The Cambridge Cluster is in urgent need of lab-enabled space to secure the future of the biotechnology, life science, and biopharmaceutical sectors in the UK. There is a desire among companies to co-locate with other research and development teams, close to academic institutions, and in purpose-built labs that not only provide flexible space but can enhance their science. Howard Group’s Phase 2 of Unity Campus will provide these fundamentals and I’m excited to play my part in delivering this agile, high-quality space for the next generation of life science and technology innovators.”