RivingtonHark Appoints an Asset & Development Surveyor
Dan Phillips joins as Asset & Development Surveyor
We’re delighted to welcome Dan Phillipsto the team at RivingtonHark as an Asset Management and Development Surveyor.
Dan previously worked at NAI UK where he worked as a Graduate Surveyor, focusing on serviced office disposals. He recently completed his MSc in Real Estate at the University of Reading.
Dan will be working across both our Asset management and Development teams, supporting a range of live projects across the portfolio.
His appointment forms part of our continued growth and expansion strategy as we bring in new talent to meet the needs of an increasingly active project pipeline.
Will Ashdown, Senior Asset Manager at RivingtonHark commented: “We’re really pleased to have Dan on board. He’s joining at an exciting time for the business, and we’re looking forward to seeing him develop his skills and support our growing team.”
RivingtonHark awarded with a Bronze Medal
We’re pleased to share that RivingtonHark has once again been awarded a Bronze Medal by EcoVadis, the globally recognised sustainability rating agency — and this year, our score was 10% higher than last year’s, reflecting the continued progress we’re making as a business in our ESG efforts.
This result places us in the top 22% of real estate-linked companies assessed by EcoVadis over the past 12 months.
Working closely with our investor partners, we remain focused on driving meaningful, measurable impact through our ESG commitments — and it’s great to see that recognised through year-on-year improvement.
Heart of the City - Sheffield
RivingtonHark has been appointed on behalf of Queensberry to work jointly on a project developed by Sheffield City Council
We are delighted to be appointed on behalf of Queensberry to work jointly on the set up and ongoing asset management of the 1.3m sq ft project developed by Sheffield City Council.
Aspirations are to build on the development’s commercial success by implementing an asset management strategy that sees all completed phases managed as a single neighbourhood. Over time this new community will then link with other major investment projects within the city centre.
Paul Sargent Founder, Queensberry commented : “We are very proud of our achievements as the Council’s development partner over the last 8 years. The finished product is a best-in-class example of urban regeneration and reinvention of a city centre. Now focus must turn to the operational phase of the development and it makes perfect sense to use our legacy knowledge combined with RivingtonHark’s expertise in asset management to give life to this neighbourhood.
As companies, RivingtonHark and Queensberry share similar values and it was easy to see us working in collaboration on such an important instruction of this scale. After a 5 minute conversation with Mark he was fully onboard and we both look forward to working together.”
Mark Williams, Chairman, RivingtonHark commented: “I have admired Heart of the City for some time now and I am extremely excited RivingtonHark has been invited by Queensberry to join them in providing asset management resource and skills to Sheffield City Council. We have accumulated knowledge over the last decade managing large portfolios and mixed use developments.
There are huge opportunities in managing multi let buildings with different uses as a single estate and I have no doubt it is the right approach for such a prime city centre development where the Council retains ownership. This is a best in class project that aims to continue to contribute to the economic growth of the City and attract further new business’s to Sheffield. That is a core focus of our role.”
RivingtonHark Further Expands Development Team
Karen Telling joins as Senior Development Manager
RivingtonHark has appointed Karen Telling as Senior Development Manager to help the team deliver our portfolio of complex repurposing, rejuvenation and regeneration projects.
Karen has extensive experience of all stages of development from conception to completion across complementing career paths as a Senior Development Manager and an award-winning Structural Engineer.
A chartered Civil and Structural Engineer by training, Karen spent 4 years as Senior Development Manager at Qualis Commercial, a wholly owned development company of Epping Forest District Council. During this time she simultaneously delivered multiple mixed use projects through Local Authority Partnerships.
The bulk of Karen’s impressive career was the 23 years at Waterman Structures becoming a Board Director and the Head of Repurposing & Regeneration in 2012. Karen has worked on and led teams delivering a number of major mixed use redevelopment schemes including Westgate – Oxford, Friars Walk – Newport and Victoria Gate – Leeds all of which achieved REVO gold awards,
She has a real passion and excitement for regeneration projects and the development of new urban environments.
David Lewis, Managing Director, commented:-
“I am delighted that Karen has joined RivingtonHark. She brings with her a great energy and enthusiasm for the types of projects we are involved in. Equally she bolsters our team with a new skillset and an unrivalled experience within delivery teams of some of the Country’s leading urban regeneration projects”.
RivingtonHark Appointed to NHS Development Management Framework
RivingtonHark has been appointed to NHS Property Services' Development Management Framework
It is the only dedicated framework for Development Manager services and is intended to be available to all contracting authorities as defined by Public Contracts regulations 2015. NHS Property Services is a government-owned company responsible for managing and maintaining approximately 2,700 properties within the National Health Service estate in England. The organisation collaborates with local NHS organisations, providing services such as property management, environmental support, and strategic planning. Its mission is to maximise the value of the NHS estate, ensuring it serves its purpose effectively.
The appointment comes after a rigorous procurement exercise and is intended to support NHSPS in their role.
David Lewis Managing Director of Rivington Hark said: ‘We are delighted to have secured our position on this important framework. It demonstrates that our detailed approach and experience across different sectors is recognised as bringing value to the broader public sector which is now increasingly important to bring improvements to our town centre.
RivingtonHark brings XF Gym to St Johns Shopping Centre Liverpool
XF Gym to Open Brand New 30,000 sq ft Fitness Centre in Liverpool City Centre
XF Gym, one of the UK’s newest fitness and wellness brands, will be opening a 30,000 square foot state-of-the-art fitness and wellbeing facility in the heart of Liverpool’s city centre. Having signed a new lease with us at the iconic St Johns Shopping Centre, XF Gym is set to bring a unique blend of world-class training facilities, wellness spaces, and a supportive community atmosphere to the city.
The new fitness hub will feature an expansive open-plan workout zone, a women-only space, as well as a wide variety of fitness classes in its group exercise studios, including yoga, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), boxing, dance, and cycling, along with luxury changing facilities for the ultimate fitness experience.
The award-winning St Johns Shopping Centre is a Liverpool icon comprising 540,000 sq ft of retail and leisure offerings as well as the amazing St Johns Beacon. Averaging one million visitors per month St Johns is home to a variety of popular brands, including JD Sports, Aldi, Liverpool FC Store, Sainsbury’s, Home Bargains, Argos and Matalan, as well as a fantastic collection of F&B and independent retailers.
St Johns is located just metres from Lime Street Station, which sees nearly 20 million passengers every year, and is adjacent to the city’s busiest bus station – Queen Square. A 625-space car park adds further convenience for visitors, making it easy to access the new XF Gym.
The transformation of this former Wilko store into an exciting new fitness hub reflects how the scheme is changing to meet the needs of customers, visitors and workers.
Work will begin immediately to create this amazing new facility which is set to open in the autumn of 2025.
Laurence Benson, CEO at XF Gym commented:
“XF Gym is thrilled to bring its unique fitness experience to the heart of Liverpool – a city built on ambition, resilience, and unbreakable community spirit—values that define XF Gym. St. Johns Shopping Centre is the perfect home for our expansion. With its central location and excellent transport connections, we’re making world-class training facilities, market-leading wellness spaces, and a supportive community more accessible than ever.
“XF Gym isn’t just a place to train—we are a movement. And we can’t wait to help every member thrive.”
Neil Ashcroft, Centre Director at St Johns Shopping Centre, commented:
“With an unbeatable location, over one million visitors per month and a broad mix of retailers and leisure offerings, St Johns Shopping Centre is the perfect home for growing, innovative businesses like XF Gym. We share their sense of community, and I am sure Liverpool’s residents, shoppers and workers will love the new gym experience they offer.”
Mark Harvey, Executive Director at RivingtonHark, commented:
“We are delighted to partner with XF Gym to bring a fresh, affordable fitness option to Liverpool, this will be a fantastic addition to St Johns Shopping Centre and further enhance the offer available to our visitors.”
Key Discussions at MIPIM
Shaping City Identities through Iconic Landmarks
Mark Williams was delighted to be joined by Remi Smith, Bill Addy, Tariq Albassam, and Kate Hart at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority stand this morning, where he had the opportunity to discuss how iconic landmarks such as St. John’s Beacon play a vital role in shaping city identities. These landmarks are not only central to driving regeneration and investment but also contribute to cultural transformation within the region.
Mark shared valuable insights drawn from our extensive regeneration experience in major UK cities, including Liverpool, Newcastle, and London. He emphasized the importance of unlocking the potential of heritage assets, promoting sustainable urban transformation, and enhancing public-private sector collaboration to maximize opportunities in these dynamic urban landscapes.
The panel discussion formed part of the international launch of St. John’s Beacon, one of the key highlights at this year’s MIPIM. As part of our ongoing efforts to unlock leasing opportunities for this landmark asset, we are excited to share that St. John’s Beacon now offers 7,500 sq ft of prime space at its peak—an exceptional opportunity for businesses and occupiers looking to elevate their brand and secure a place on Liverpool’s iconic skyline.
We look forward to connecting with potential tenants who are ready to make their mark in this prime location.
Rochdale Riverside "thrives at five"
Rochdale Riverside Celebrates Fifth Anniversary with New Openings and Continued Success
As it nears its fifth anniversary—having first opened amid the challenges of the COVID outbreak—Rochdale Riverside continues to flourish. The arrival of two well-known brands, Holland & Barrett and Taco Bell, at the scheme further cements its position as the town’s prime retail and leisure destination.
The popular Mexican-inspired food chain Taco Bell has opened a 3,128 sq. ft. restaurant, enhancing Rochdale Riverside’s vibrant dining scene, neighbouring existing leisure anchors REEL Cinema and Putt & Play (formerly Puttstars).
Meanwhile, the UK’s leading health and wellness retailer Holland & Barrett has launched a 1,602 sq. ft. store, catering to the growing demand for high-quality health products.
Alongside the new arrivals, existing retailers at Rochdale Riverside are seeing success which has led to Greggs upsizing its store, highlighting the centre’s strong performance. With only one vacant unit remaining, the scheme continues to attract high-profile brands, driving footfall and car park usage, which are both out performing national benchmarks.
The 220,000 sq. ft. open-air shopping and leisure destination, which includes a 527-space car park, is home to leading retailers including M&S, Next, H&M, River Island, Boots, and JD Sports. The addition of Taco Bell and Holland & Barrett reflects the continued confidence in Rochdale Riverside as a thriving hub for shoppers and visitors.
Mark Harvey, Executive Director at RivingtonHark, commented:
‘These new lettings alongside our existing tenants expanding their spaces, have ensured Riverside has a strong line up to suit all our shoppers. Rochdale Riverside’s momentum continues as it shapes itself into a diverse destination, bringing together leading retailers, restaurants and leisure attractions in the heart of the town centre”.
RivingtonHark Have Moved
RivingtonHark Have Moved! New Office Location In Covent Garden
We are excited to announce that we’ve officially relocated our offices to a new space in the heart of London!
Our new address is:-
15 Bedford Street,
London
WC2E 9HE
RivingtonHark 25 Year Anniversary Celebrations
Reflections on our recent anniversary celebrations at The Century Club in Soho.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to mark this milestone: 25 years of shaping the future of UK towns and cities.
It was a privilege to celebrate alongside our incredible partners, clients, colleagues and original founders Rob Cossey and David Henderson- Williams. It was a great evening to reflect on the substantial achievements of the past and look forward to a busy future curating, transforming, and future-proofing our urban places.
