The Crown Estate appoints new project director for East Hemel

The Crown Estate has appointed Matthew Sampson to a newly created role as Project Director for its substantial land holdings around Hemel Hempstead.

Having started the new role in March, Matthew will be reporting to Director for Regional, Hannah Milne.

With an initial focus at Hemel, he will be responsible for shaping and leading the promotion, master planning and longer term delivery of mixed use urban regeneration.

The Crown Estate owns, develops and manages a diverse regional portfolio, which includes a number of strategic land sites across the country, where it is working closely with local stakeholders and communities to explore opportunities for new homes, workplaces, and community space.

The Crown Estate’s project at East Hemel forms the first phase of Hemel Garden Communities (HGC), an ambitious development programme that could transform Hemel Hempstead and the local area to create attractive and sustainable new neighbourhoods to the north and east of the town – delivering more than 11,000 new homes and 10,000 new jobs by 2050.

Matthew said: “I’m really excited to be joining Hannah and the team at a point where the business is looking at new opportunities for its current assets.

“Our ownership within Hemel Garden Communities provides one of many opportunities in the regional portfolio where The Crown Estate can work collaboratively and considerately, to deliver exemplar regeneration projects and make a positive impact on the community.”

HGC is a partnership between Dacorum Borough Council, St Albans City and District Council, Hertfordshire County Council, Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and The Crown Estate.

Hannah Milne, Director of Regional at The Crown Estate, said: “At East Hemel, we have an opportunity to help shape a new and thriving place - working together with our partners and local people to create new homes, employment opportunities, and raise the bar on designing for community, wellbeing, and sustainability.

“Matthew’s expertise in mixed used regeneration will bring a new dimension to our business, and help us understand further opportunities in the current regional portfolio.”