Real estate association the British Property Federation (BPF) has appointed Allan Lockhart, chief executive of NewRiver REIT, as chair of its retail board.
The board was launched in January 2021 to drive the strategic agenda for the UK retail property sector and its advocacy – to ensure that the views of retail property are better heard and understood by both central and regional governments – as the sector deals with the impact of Covid-19 and adjusts to structural changes.
Lockhart has over 25 years’ experience in the UK real estate market specialising in the retail sector. He started his career with Strutt & Parker in 1988 advising major property companies and institutions on retail investment and development.
In 2009 he co-founded NewRiver Retail, which has a portfolio of 33 community shopping centres and 24 retail parks.
David Partridge, president BPF said: 'The retail property sector requires, arguably now more than ever, a strong and authoritative body to represent its interests. We are stronger and will have greater impact when we are united.
'I welcome Allan to his new position within the BPF to navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead for our new retail board, representing the retail property sector at large and working in partnership with the Government to ensure we have a policy environment that allows the sector, and the communities we’re invested in, to thrive.'
Lockhart's mandate this year will include championing the role of retail property investment in creating vibrant communities and helping to ensure it remains an attractive asset class for investors.
He is also expected to lead the retail property response to the government’s review of the commercial property owner-occupier relationship, and look into how retail property rises to the challenge of net zero carbon.
Lockhart said: 'It is a privilege to become the chair of the recently established BPF Retail Board, leading the charge for the retail property sector’s priorities among central and regional government.
'I look forward to working alongside the other Board members, and the BPF’s Presidential and executive teams, to shape a more positive future for the retail property sector, its customers, and our town and city centres.'
