Qualis Commercial, advised by Montagu Evans, has sold the Waltham Connect industrial estate in Waltham Abbey to a private investor.

The new build estate was completed in September 2024 and totals 32,750 sq ft across four high-specification units ranging from 5,958 sq ft to 10,157 sq ft.

Each building offers 8.85m clear internal height, a level access loading door, ground floor reception space and first floor offices. 10+ car parking spaces are provided per unit, including 2 EV charging points per unit, with provision for more. It has been designed to achieve BREEAM ‘Very Good’ and EPC A+ certifications with sustainability features, including rooftop PV panels.

The estate is located two miles from J26 of the M25 and three miles from the A10. Waltham Cross station connecting with Liverpool Street and Stratford is also three miles away, and the scheme is served by bus routes to Walthamstow, Chingford and Harlow.

Montagu Evans has been retained as the leasing agent for the estate under the new name of Abbey Trade Park.

Tom Paton-Smith, Partner and head of Montagu Evans’ industrial and logistics team, said: “This is a well-located, high-quality commercial development, addressing the shortage of new build, ESG-compliant units in the area. It is particularly attractive given strong appetite from the trade sector for these more affordable fringe locations and that each unit has been designed flexibly, with these types of businesses in mind.”

More on that opportunity here.

Alan Harris, this week, takes on the role of Managing Partner of Montagu Evans, its tenth since the partnership’s founding in 1921.

Formerly head of its Advisory Department, with a background in development consultancy, Alan has also led the partnership’s town centre and public sector groups since joining the firm in 2001. He has held a seat on Montagu Evans’ Executive Committee – which runs the business – since 2014.

Previous Managing Partner Rob Bower retired from the role and the partnership on 31 March 2025 following a decade in post.

Alan Harris, Managing Partner at Montagu Evans, said: “We are entering a new phase of growth, backed by considerable investment from our Partners and renewed focus on areas where we can support clients’ ambitions most effectively.

“Montagu Evans remains very proud to be a consultancy-led LLP: small enough for clients to quickly get to the right advice but with scale in our planning, advisory and transactional specialisms to provide extra resource and expertise to unlock complex opportunities for both the public and private sectors UK-wide.

“We’re continuing to invest in our outstanding people, welcoming new talent, promoting from within and expanding our expertise, while continuing to think and act long-term. Major, multi-service instructions continue, and we are excited by the opportunities ahead.”

Longstanding clients of Montagu Evans include Aberdeen, Aviva Investors, Barratts, CBRE IM, Crown Estate, London Square, Regal London and SEGRO, as well as Homes England, the NHS, Network Rail, DIO, TfL and a number of London and UK-wide local authorities.

The partnership is currently advising on regeneration schemes, including Camden Film Quarter, Custom House, Earl’s Court, Bow Goods Yard, Orchard Wharf, the Royal Albert Dock in East London, Festival Gardens in Liverpool, and other major sites nationwide – from estate regeneration to major new settlements. It has recently helped to secure planning approval for landmark sites including the former WWII Kingsway Tunnels, new space for King’s College London on Aldwych, and significant new homes at Westfield London, as well as providing historic environment and townscape consultancy for projects including the Grade II listed gasholders repurposing in Bromley-by-Bow and Smithfield market in Birmingham.

Montagu Evans has announced its latest promotions as part of its stated growth strategy and focus on internal progression alongside a wider programme of senior lateral hires.

• As of 1 April 2025, the business will include three new Partners: Matthew Gray in Planning (Commercial), Matthew Hayes in Development Advisory and Alan Fitzpatrick in Planning (Scotland).
• Four promotions to Associate have been made: Georgie Dixon in Advisory, Anna Harrhy in Planning (Central London), Rachel Mushet in Planning (Commercial) and Robbie Catling in Living and Land. They join six new Associates in the October 2024 mid-year promotions round: Jasmine Ceccarelli-Drewry, Richard Glover, Lucy Muir and Rory Taylor in Advisory, Ben Tosland in Planning (Historic Environments and Townscape), and Will Fennell in Industrial & Logistics.
• Also, from 1 April 2025, 14 promotions have been made to Senior across all departments, including central management. They join nine earlier promotions made in October 2024.

Managing Partner Rob Bower retires from the role and from the Partnership on 31 March 2025 after a decade in his current role and 30 years with the business.

He said: “I can’t easily put down in words how much I’ve enjoyed being the Managing Partner of this great firm, one of the few larger, true LLPs left in our industry. We see talented people who are keen to join or return to this true partnership culture knocking on our doors every day – long may that continue!

“They will join a number of senior recruits in the last six months as investment in the firm ramps up – two new Partners in Industrial & Logistics and one in Rating (with two more to come later this year in Residential and Planning), a new Associate in Historic Environment & Townscape; a Senior Adviser in social value; HR and Finance business partners, a Senior Bids Manager and others. They are all very welcome.

“But more than that, one area I have always been immensely proud of is the rich pool of talent already within the Partnership. The range of skills, the diversity of thinking and the calibre of everyone that has been promoted in the past year is a testament to the ethos we have created together at Montagu Evans over the past decade. I should pay thanks – not only to everyone whose progress and commitment has been recognised in this way, but to those who have encouraged, mentored and supported them on the way. It has been – as it should always be – a team effort.

“We are committed to investing in our people, welcoming new talent, and expanding our expertise. Supported by millions in new capital, this will ensure we continue to provide exceptional service and insight to our clients during this crucial period for the economy. Our focus on key markets for the business’s planning, advisory and transactional specialists remains, and we retain strong, effective leadership at the most senior levels of the Partnership to drive this growth.”

Montagu Evans has further expanded its growing social impact capability with the appointment of Kyra Kocis as Senior Adviser.

A specialist in built environment-led systems change, Kyra has recently worked with Nesta, Future of London and the National League of Cities in Washington DC. A 2020 Marshall Scholar, she has a Masters in International Urban Planning from UCL and one in Social Science Research Methods from the University of Sussex. She previously worked with the Gates Foundation and studied at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.

At Montagu Evans, she will join the partnership’s social impact lead, Jasmine Ceccarelli-Drewry and Partners Jenny Rydon, Oliver Maury, Craig Blatchford and others to support planning, development and regeneration activity.

This growing area of the business uses a place-based approach to help clients integrate social impact into investment, development and planning, including overarching strategies as well as site and portfolio-specific support. Ballymore, Barratt Homes, Yoo Capital, Queen Mary University London, Lateral, Barts Health NHS Trust, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and the Harlow & Gilston Garden Town Partnership are all social impact clients. Most recently, the team has been appointed by the West Midlands Combined Authority, with support from the One Public Estate, to explore how social value can shape estate decisions across the public estate in Wolverhampton.

Jasmine Ceccarelli-Drewry, Associate and social impact lead at Montagu Evans, said: “At its best, social impact activity should engage all involved stakeholders – including the local community. Solutions must be locally relevant, financially viable and integrated into core concepts of planning and development. Strategies should incorporate concerns ranging from the commitments of individual organisations through to how projects are equitably delivered and look further to how places drive positive impact in perpetuity from a legacy perspective.

“Anyone commissioning or delivering regeneration will increasingly need to apply relevant, appropriate methods, leverage cross-sector collaboration, and ensure a supportive, sustainable funding and policy environment to scale what works while staying responsive to societal needs.

“Our growing team is firmly rooted in place-based principles and integrated into Montagu Evans’ wider consultancy services. Kyra brings a multi-disciplinary approach which defines and will continue to help our solutions stand out, and we are delighted to welcome her to the partnership.”

Kyra Kocis, Senior Advisor at Montagu Evans, added: “Social impact goes beyond numbers – innovative methods, diverse perspectives, and deep local knowledge should all be combined to create strategies that drive lasting change. It’s not just about measuring outputs but designing and adapting interventions that meaningfully shift outcomes for the people we are working with. I’m thrilled to join the partnership at Montagu Evans to deliver social impact solutions that address our clients’ immediate needs while building long-term strategies to manage, de-risk and support sustainable development.”

Montagu Evans has further increased its Historic Environment and Townscape team with the appointment of Emma Lawrence as an Associate.

Emma joins the partnership from Savills, where she managed a range of large-scale projects, with a particular focus on heritage, retrofit and urban design for developers, owners and occupiers, including Brookfield, Canary Wharf Group and Durham University. She also brings established relationships with central London local authorities, Historic England and architects, masterplanners, and development managers.

At Montagu Evans, Emma will strengthen its 28-strong national historic environment and townscape team and support the business’s focus on Central London planning, drawing on 12 years’ experience across the public, private, and charitable sectors to offer balanced, strategic advice to clients navigating complex projects.

In London, Montagu Evans provided heritage and townscape on M&S’s Oxford Street plans and is currently advising on new plans for Earls Court Olympia, Custom House and Highgate Cemetery, among others, as well as providing specialist advice on tall buildings in the City of London and elsewhere. It is also working with developers, landowners and institutions on the refurbishment/repurposing potential of historic assets and 20th-century buildings through its Retrofix initiative.

Timur Tatlioglu, Head of Historic Environment and Townscape at Montagu Evans, said: “Montagu Evans specialises in delivering our clients’ aspirations through strong relationships, experience, and our expert advice. Emma’s public and private sector experience and knowledge of delivering complex schemes across the capital will offer additional support to our clients as our planning team continues to grow.”

Emma Lawrence, Associate at Montagu Evans, said: “My focus has always been on helping applicants and clients achieve the best outcomes by navigating the interplay between heritage assets and wider development objectives. I’m looking forward to this next step with Montagu Evans, working with its talented planning team and colleagues in advisory and transactional fields and building new relationships in the industry.”

Montagu Evans has expanded its 50-strong national rating team ahead of the 2026 revaluation, appointing Julie Chalmers as Partner.

Based at the partnership’s Manchester office, Julie joins the firm following three years as a Director at Colliers, and before that, seven years at Newmark (then Gerald Eve).

She will initially work on major mandates, including Manchester Metropolitan University, Salford College, Transport for Greater Manchester, Arnold Clark (in England), Innside Hotels (Melia) and Greater Manchester Fire, both now and moving towards the 2026-2029 period. Other clients in the region include the Combined Authority in Manchester, Manchester City FC, several health trusts (in Cheshire and Merseyside), Glyndwr University and significant college estates at Wigan, Salford and in Manchester and Bradford, led by Partner Richard Wackett.

Josh Myerson, Head of Rating Advisory at Montagu Evans, said: “We have a strong regional presence with clients in Manchester, Liverpool and their satellites, and expectations to grow further – especially with support for businesses needing to increase in the run-up to the 2026 revaluation.

“Julie has reported some outstanding rating achievements for clients, reflecting a high level of expertise and commerciality in our key sectors. Her place as a senior member of the rating team nationally will ensure additional resource and depth of experience at this important time, as well as a commitment to new and existing clients long-term.”

Julie Chalmers, Partner at Montagu Evans, added: “Business rates should be coming up the corporate agenda again given the upcoming revaluation and need for companies to proactively manage future financial commitments.

“Montagu Evans has strong regional and national teams supporting clients during this time. Its clear technical expertise, focus on specialist sectors and collaborative approach are all very attractive, as is the chance to be part of a growing team. This is an exciting time to join and I’m looking forward to the opportunities ahead.”

Julie’s appointment follows lease advisory specialist Amy Bracey and occupier specialist Kieran Webber joining the partnership in the last three months, both part of its industrial and logistics team. Montagu Evans is continuing to recruit in key areas of focus following additional investment into the business by Partners at the end of 2024.

CBRE Investment Management (CBRE IM) and Development Manager V7, advised by Montagu Evans, have been given the green light for a new last-mile urban logistics hub south of Wandsworth town centre.

LB Wandsworth resolved to grant planning consent for the redevelopment of the facility following the tenant’s planned relocation. The site sits within the Lydden Road Locally Significant Industrial Area.

The new industrial and logistics facility will provide 36,877 sq ft (3,426 sq m) of modern, flexible accommodation, including a mezzanine, offices and a secure service yard with two loading bays.

The proposals, designed by PRC, also include integrated PV panels and air source heat pumps to comply with national, regional, and local renewable energy policy criteria, as well as cycle parking, provision for EV charging, urban greening and biodiversity enhancements. BREEAM Outstanding is targeted.

Zak Veasey, Director at V7, commented: “This asset is situated in a prime location. Once upgraded to the highest modern standards, 20 Lydden Road will meet the evolving commercial demands of the area and align with the requirements of occupiers and businesses, delivering a best-in-class facility.

“V7, in collaboration with TFT, assembled an experienced professional team to design and deliver a state-of-the-art facility that meets the Council’s LSIA aspirations. It is a testament to the design team that the application had no objections from the local community and is approved and ready to build once the tenant vacates.”

Jeremy Evershed, Partner at Montagu Evans, said: “These plans will provide new, high-quality urban logistics space with increased operational and sustainability credentials in an outstanding Wandsworth location. They will replace a former industrial facility at the end of its functional life, enhancing the local streetscape and supporting the local economy. This decision is a significant milestone in bringing forward this new development.”

Project team

Project Manager & Sustainability Coordinator: TFT

Planning Consultant & Viability Consultant: Montagu Evans

Architect: PRC Architecture and Planning

Principal Designer and CDMA: Stonewells Integrated Project Services

Structural Engineers: Evolve Consulting Engineers

Services Engineer: Watkins Payne

Transport Consultant: Transport Planning Practice

Sustainability Consultant: Kingfisher Ecology

Acoustic Consultant: Clarke Saunders Associates

Building Control: C3 Design Approvals

Fire Engineer: Trigon Fire Safety

Cost Consultant: Burnley Wilson Fish

Public Consultation: Cavendish Consulting

Lawyer: Eversheds Sutherland

Montagu Evans has further strengthened its Industrial & Logistics team with the appointment of lease advisory specialist Amy Bracey FRICS as Partner.

Previously a Director within the Business Space Lease Advisory team at Colliers, Amy has particular expertise in the Industrial & Logistics sector and more than 14 years’ experience in the industry.

She will join the market-leading National Multi-Let Industrial & Trade sub-team, working closely with Partner Steve McDonald to run the largest retained instruction base for lease advisory in the country, acting for institutional landlords on over 200 trade parks nationally and with a range of instructions in most cities and towns.

Montagu Evans’ 30-strong I&L team advises major landlords, funders, developers and occupiers with a range of services from capital markets, agency, development and lease advisory to planning, heritage and townscape, valuation and rating. It is active across the country, with a particular focus on London and the M25, including last mile, multi-let industrial, mid-box, trade counters, self-storage and data centres.

Its lease advisory team focuses on two key areas – National Multi-Let Industrial & Trade and London & M25 Mid to Large Boxes – and provides general industrial services.

In addition to working with existing Montagu Evans clients, Amy will focus on securing new instructions, particularly with the partnership’s clients in other areas and in her home patch of the South West.

She will also continue to support the RICS through her role at APC Success, where she trains graduates to prepare for the APC to achieve chartered status, as well as serve as an APC assessor and chair.

This appointment follows strategic occupier specialist Kieran Webber joining the business as a Partner in November 2024 and is part of the wider growth of its I&L team. Other areas of focus currently are resi/living markets, London planning and public sector advisory, in addition to industrial & logistics.

Steve McDonald, Partner at Montagu Evans, said: “This is a further strategic appointment for the partnership as we put in place ambitious growth plans supported by a strong team of specialists at all levels.

“It has been a rare opportunity to recruit such an experienced candidate at the top of the trade market, who also perfectly fits our firm-wide ethos of growing organically long-term via the next generation of talent with the ready-made qualities of an APC assessor, chair, mentor and teacher. Amy is a very welcome addition to the business.

Amy Bracey, Partner at Montagu Evans, said: “Having known the firm and having had the chance to see its team at work first-hand through my APC role, this step to Partner is a natural progression. It is an exciting time to join the business – the I&L team is already very well-respected in the market, and its lease advisory team is second to none in this area.”

 

Lambeth Council is this month launching its first portfolio development opportunity for six development sites across the borough, aiming to deliver up to 450 new mixed-tenure homes.

The Council is seeking a single Development Partner to develop all six sites in the combined portfolio titled New Homes 6 (NH6), worth a gross development value of £250m.

The NH6 is the second procurement opportunity that Lambeth Council has launched in the past year to speed up the delivery of affordable homes as part of its New Homes Programme to tackle the chronic shortage of social housing in Lambeth.

Cllr Danny Adilypour, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Housing, Investment and New Homes, said: “Since the launch of our New Homes Programme in March last year, we have made great strides in unlocking many housing projects in the borough to enable us to deliver more affordable housing for our residents.

“But as the temporary accommodation crisis continues, with 5,000 households in often sub-standard temporary accommodation and more than 40,000 people on Lambeth’s housing waiting list, coupled with difficult financial circumstances, we need to act more urgently through the most effective way to help us deliver new housing.“Alongside working with the Government to find solutions to our housing crisis, we know that the right partnership with an industry expert will help us deliver more new affordable homes at pace which we have started implementing on other projects already to accelerate delivery.

“As we begin the search for a partner to deliver the New Homes 6, I look forward to working with our residents and the right partner to bring forward this significant project that will not only bring forward much-needed high-quality housing but also improve so many of our Lambeth neighbourhoods in the future.”

The partnership offer will be advertised through the Find a Tender Service portal from 6 January 2025.

The deadline for submission of initial tenders will be 22 April 2025, with the preferred partner expected to be chosen by November 2025.

Montagu Evans is advising Lambeth Council on the procurement of the development partner.

Four of the six sites are located between the London Eye and The Oval, one is near Larkhall Park, and the sixth is near Brockwell Park:

• Denby Court, SE11 – circa 0.51 ha/indicative capacity of 141 homes
• Larkhall Lane, SW4 – circa 0.32 ha/indicative capacity of 127 homes
• Knight’s Walk Phase 2, SE11 – circa 0.54 ha/indicative capacity of 68 homes
• Jonathan & Orsett Street, SE11 – circa 46 ha/indicative capacity 67 homes
• 30 Wootton Street, London, SE1 – circa 0.14 hectares/indicative capacity of 24 homes
• Trinity Rise, SW2 – circa 0.12 ha/indicative capacity 20 homes

Across the portfolio, the Council expects the following to be met:

• Maximising housing delivery (over 450 units across initial sites)
• Maximising delivery of affordable homes, achieving at least 35% across the portfolio
• Start-on-site of at least 150 Affordable Homes by 2030, of which at least 70% should be for social rent.
• High-quality design and sustainable development
• Delivery of social value, employment & skills opportunities for all communities across the borough

For more information on the NH6 portfolio, please visit the Lambeth website.