London-based residential developer Astir has made a trio of new hires; Percy Mullany, John Lahiff and Chris Chapman have recently joined the company and will be focusing on new land acquisitions.
With a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Lewisham, the new appointments will help aid Astir’s search for more PBSA sites to develop and operate.
Percy joins Astir as Land Director to head up the land and planning team and brings a depth of experience sourcing and gaining planning on major residential developments across London.
“There are not many opportunities to join an innovative and dynamic new company, so I jumped at the opportunity to be part of Astir. The team has a hugely impressive track record with aspirations that align to my own ambitions.”
Percy Mullany, Development Director, Astir
Most recently, Percy worked with Countryside as its Development Director for the company’s West London Partnership business.
Prior to that, he spent 11 years of his career at the Berkeley Group working his way up from a graduate position to Land Director.
“Having worked with Percy previously I know he can help drive Astir with his excellent experience, broad skill set and entrepreneurial spirit. I am very pleased that he has joined Astir and look forward to many successes in the future.”
Travis Crawford, Partner, Astir
John Lahiff joins the Astir team as Senior Land Manager.
John has over 15 years’ experience acquiring both unconsented and consented land, predominantly on an off-market basis.
He brings with him an extensive network of personal relationships with agents and introducers.
“Having met the guys, I immediately felt a great rapport, and I was extremely impressed with their experience and track records, but also the vision they had for the company. What really interested and excited me was the opportunity to join that journey at an early stage and bring that vision to reality.”
John Lahiff, Senior Land Manager, Astir
Chris joins the company as Senior Land Manager.
He has a long-established career securing numerous land opportunities for multiple tenures through a variety of structures across London and the South-East.
Chris has an excellent reputation across the industry and long-term relationships with landowners, agents and funders.
“I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter of my career and join Astir. I am genuinely excited about the opportunities this role will bring and look forward to contributing my expertise and knowledge to further enhance the company’s success.”
Chris Chapman, Advisor/Consultant, Astir
Astir is nearing completion of its West Hampstead Central scheme – an exclusive collection of 94 one- and two-bedroom apartments in the heart of West Hampstead village.
The scheme, Astir’s first, also includes flexible office and retail space.
“Both John and Chris bring an excellent network of personal relationships across the industry. Their depth of experience uncovering off market deals in all Living sectors makes them an excellent complement to our existing team and help drive our ambitious land acquisition programme in London. We are delighted to welcome them on board.”
Alan Shad, Partner, Astir
Astir has also acquired Tesco’s four acre superstore site in Lewisham where it is working with the supermarket chain to secure planning consent.
Astir plans to bring forward a multi-use scheme including a new Tesco store, rental housing, a hotel and a c.600-bed PBSA scheme alongside co-working and community uses to support the retained Tesco store.
