Border to Coast Pensions Partnership has found a new head of UK real estate after a seven-month search.
Border to Coast launched a search for a new head of UK real estate in February following the departure of Alistair Smith.
Smith, who served as head of real estate and fund manager for nearly four years, stepped down after overseeing the recent expansion of the firm’s property platform and the launch of its UK real estate main fund.
Cooper brings over 30 years’ experience in real estate and deep understanding of the LGPS. He joins from specialist real estate investment and asset manager DTZ Investors, where he was global CEO following a 34-year tenure with the organisation. That role included responsibility for DTZ’s multi-billion-pound real estate portfolios across Europe, across all sectors, much of which was managed on behalf of LGPS clients.
Border to Coast’s combined partnership has more than £8bn (€9.3bn) in real estate assets, with £7bn invested directly in the UK. It invests in global real estate via its private markets proposition, using external managers.
Moving ahead, the pool will be focused on delivering the benefits of scale of what it describes as a “critical asset class, where the LGPS has a strong track record of making a difference”.
Cooper said: “What Border to Coast is building in the heart of the Northern Square Mile in Leeds is truly game-changing.
“As one of the largest UK real estate funds, investing directly into the UK, I’m pleased to be returning to the North to be part of the pool’s next chapter.
“I look forward to working with the team to secure excellent real estate investments on behalf of Partner Funds, which will ultimately add to the strength of an already resilient LGPS, which does such an important job for millions of crucial local workers.”
Joe McDonnell, chief investment officer, Border to Coast, said: “A key element of realising the benefit of our scale for Partner Funds is being able to attract the very highest calibre of expertise, and Chris is a prime example of that. We’re excited to have him join and shape our real estate activity moving forwards.”
Border to Coast has announced a number of major real estate deals this year, including a £400m purchase of 866 single-family homes from Leaf Living in August, a £67m forward-funding of three David Lloyd Gyms in June 2026, and a £70m forward-funding of 139 homes in Springstead Village, Cambridge in February.
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