CBRE has welcomed a talented team of four professionals who will work closely with colleagues covering development, capital markets and consultancy to ensure clients can access CBRE’s integrated offer. 

Colin Smith joins as senior director, bringing over 27 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in the urban living, hospitality, leisure and commercial sectors, Colin will establish the planning team as an integral part of the CBRE service offer in Scotland and across the UK and drive growth across sectors and geographies. His expertise will be crucial in navigating the complexities of the Scottish planning landscape.

Joining Colin as senior director is Kate Donald, together they will continue to provide market-leading advice on projects across Scotland, with a focus on Edinburgh and Glasgow. Kate’s extensive experience in repurposing the built environment, gained over 20 years in planning, will further reinforce the team’s ability to deliver high-profile regeneration projects across the country.

The wider team is strengthened by Hannah Munro and James Wall as senior planners. Joining from Turley, the team is advising on several landmark projects, including New Town Quarter and Ocean Terminal in Edinburgh, Blindwells New Community in East Lothian and Summix Capital’s mixed-use development at Glasgow’s Central Quay.

The appointment also bolsters CBRE’s existing planning teams that operate across the UK, led by executive directors, Iain Jenkinson, and Jonathan Stoddart in London. The new Scottish team will work collaboratively with these teams who combine talent and skills in advising on the most complex town planning challenges with deep expertise in economic development to unlock and accelerate client projects.

Chris Dougray, head of development at CBRE Scotland, said: “Planning is the key to driving transformational regeneration, and it is no secret that the landscape in Scotland is both dynamic and complex. Whilst we cannot ignore the significant immediate challenges, this comes with great opportunity.

“Matching a best in class planning proposition to the range and scale of the CBRE platform throughout the UK and internationally makes for an exciting opportunity for our clients. Our new planning team in Scotland is a great cultural fit with the UK team and allows us to grow north of the border.

“It is fantastic to welcome Colin, Kate and the wider team, who will be instrumental in re-shaping and enhancing Scotland’s towns and cities.”

Colin said: “We are joining CBRE at an exciting period of change in Scotland, where regeneration and economic growth is at the top of the agenda for the Scottish Government. There is great opportunity to drive meaningful change and I look forward to contributing to that momentum.

“CBRE is a trusted advisor to some of the biggest players in the international real estate market and we will collaborate with teams internally to ensure clients have access to our full, integrated offer. Kate, Hannah and James have outstanding experience, advising on some of Scotland’s most complex regeneration projects in recent times. This stands us in great stead for the next chapter of CBRE in Scotland.”