BPF names NewRiver CEO as chair of retail board

The British Property Federation (BPF) has appointed Allan Lockhart, CEO at real estate investment trust NewRiver REIT, as chair of its new retail board.

The board was created in January to ensure central and regional governments could understand the views of the retail property sector, in turn driving the agenda for retail property and its advocacy.

In his new position, Lockhart will be tasked with promoting retail property investment’s role in creating vibrant communities, as well as achieving industry-wide net zero carbon initiatives.

The BPF said that Lockhart will help shape a “modern, fit-for-purpose legislative framework,” following a Government review into the commercial property owner-occupier relationship.

David Partridge, president at the organisation, said: “The retail property sector requires, arguably now more than ever, a strong and authoritative body to represent its interests.”

Commencing his career at Strutt and Parker over three decades ago, Lockhart co-founded NewRiver Retail in 2009.

The group has since grown to a portfolio of 33 community shopping centres and 24 retail parks.

The announcement comes as landlords face increasing Covid-19 related tenancy difficulties, including with a number of notable high street retailers that had already been struggling due to high business rates and online competition.

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.”