Savills UK has recently announced the acquisition of Citydesigner, a well-established independent heritage, townscape, and architectural design consultancy based in Central London. This strategic move is intended to strengthen Savills’ already robust heritage and townscape team, which functions within its UK planning division led by Henry Ryde. Citydesigner, founded in 1997 by architect and heritage specialist Richard Coleman, was the first bespoke consultancy dedicated to these fields and currently employs an eight-strong team of architects, urban designers, and heritage consultants.

According to Richard Rees, Managing Director of Savills UK, the acquisition is a significant milestone: "We are thrilled to have acquired this fantastic business that we have long admired with such a great reputation. Richard and his team have a proven track record of working on successful and notable projects, and their arrival will enhance our 350-strong planning consultancy team, which operates across 23 locations and is the largest in the UK." This addition aligns well with Savills’ expansive planning services, which already include a comprehensive archaeology, heritage, and townscape consultancy. The multi-disciplinary team provides expert advice on heritage sites, built heritage analysis, statements of significance, planning applications related to heritage, and engagement with regulatory bodies across the UK.

David Jackson, Head of Planning at Savills Earth, emphasised the timely nature of the acquisition: "With such emphasis on delivering sustainable economic growth in the planning world, heritage planning will play a significant role in promoting the reuse of existing buildings and contributing to sustainable development. We are looking forward to expanding our service and capability for clients across the country." This highlights an increasingly critical role heritage consultancy has in driving sustainable development, particularly through adaptive reuse policies which contribute both to environmental and economic goals.

The clientele that Citydesigner brings includes major London estates, developers, real estate investment trusts (REITs), UK and international funds, insurers, and public sector clients, notably the Greater London Authority, many of whom already have relationships with Savills. This acquisition builds on Savills’ previous strategic moves, such as the 2011 takeover of the London Planning Practice, which helped Savills establish the largest planning team in London with a focus on key districts including the West End and the City.

Further strengthening Savills' capability in related areas, the company has recently expanded its sustainability consultancy team by recruiting experts in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and climate risk management. Such additions underscore Savills’ commitment to providing comprehensive consultancy services that meet contemporary demands for ESG integration in property development and management.

Savills has also invested in deepening its heritage and townscape expertise through senior hires in recent years, including specialists with backgrounds in local government planning and commercial archaeology, further enhancing its advisory capacity on heritage asset management and development. These developments reflect a broader industry trend where heritage and sustainability are becoming inseparable components of placemaking, urban design, and development consultancy.

With the acquisition of Citydesigner, the firm is well-positioned to leverage a broader range of heritage skills and insights to serve an expanding client base across the UK, complementing its already extensive planning and environmental advisory services. This move illustrates how heritage consultancy is evolving from a niche specialism into a fundamental aspect of sustainable development strategies within the property sector.

📌 Reference Map:

Source: Noah Wire Services