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Jenrick reveals pick for new Homes England chair
The government has announced its choice for the new chair of Homes England, who will be a permanent replacement for Sir Edward Lister.
Peter Freeman, co-founder of Argent and current chair of a developer half owned by Clarion Housing Group, was confirmed today as the government’s “chosen candidate” for the role overseeing its housing delivery body.
He will be appointed in the role for a three-year term, subject to a scrutiny committee hearing with the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee next month.
If successful, Mr Freeman will take the reins from Simon Dudley, who has been acting chair at Homes England since Sir Edward stepped down last year. Mr Lister gave up the role to become Boris Johnson’s chief strategic advisor, having worked for the prime minister during his time as mayor of London.
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Mr Freeman is currently chair of Mayfield Market Towns, a joint venture with Clarion, the UK’s biggest housing association. However, the government said he will give up this role if formally selected to avoid any “perceived” conflict of interest.
Mr Freeman is also co-founder of high-profile developer Argent, which has been leading on the redevelopment of King’s Cross in London and has attracted big-name tenants such as Google.
Housing secretary Robert Jenrick branded Mr Freeman as the “visionary behind the revival of King’s Cross”.
He added: “Peter has a track record of world-class regeneration and it is this along with his drive to create places people want to live that makes him a superb candidate to support our ambitious housing agenda.”
Mr Freeman said: “Homes England has a vital role to play in improving the lives of all those affected by the housing crisis.
“If appointed, and working closely with government, I believe we can, and must, deliver on the promise to provide homes to allow all to experience a better quality of life.”
