Meet the Development Manager - Joe Woolley
Our development team are responsible for all our schemes, from Royal William Yard to New Islington and beyond.
They work alongside the best creatives in the industry to dream up new concepts and bring them to reality by forming and nurturing relationships with our valued partners to create places for people to live, work and play.
Needless to say, our development team embody our borrowed mantra of the citizens of ancient Athens: “We will leave this place not less, but greater, better and more beautiful than it was left to us”.
Development Manager, Joe Woolley, sits at the heart of our development team. Joe has recently been shortlisted for EG’s ‘Rising Star’ award following a nomination for Young Property Professional of the Year at the Insider North West awards earlier this year.
We caught up with Joe to dig into his passion for the industry and his drive for inspiring the next generation of innovative thinkers…
“It’s coming up to my five-year anniversary at Urban Splash and facing such a milestone has encouraged me to reflect on my journey in the industry so far.
“I started my career after university working out onsite with no intention to pursue development, but it soon became clear that I had a strong drive for delivering projects and solving the challenges that our sector presents.
“My role, and the development industry as a whole, constantly offers the chance to make a tangible impact on the world.
“Our work has visible, measurable outcomes allowing us to shape the landscape and architecture in meaningful ways to create communities that can impact the future trajectory of our towns and cities.
“Seeing our work come to life is hugely rewarding and is often what spurs me on throughout the process. Successful regeneration projects can take decades, so having one eye on the end goal – to ultimately transform an area – is essential.
“I’m often on site at our development in Port Loop, where we’ve created a brand-new community surrounded by the Birmingham Old Line canal. Seeing people thrive and connect with each other and form genuine relationships to support them in their everyday lives is incredibly rewarding.
“I never take this for granted and understand the sheer graft and determination it takes from our wider team and beyond including our partners, contractors and agents to get to this position. Port Loop is forever evolving with the latest introduction being Mansion House – a concept we first developed in New Islington – which offers canal side apartment living.
“Even with a hefty track record of regeneration projects under our belts, each project is different, and each can present challenges. Having the opportunity to solve problems as a team and draw on each individual’s unique skill set helps us to overcome all that is thrown at us.
“We’re constantly working towards creating sustainable change and part of the continuation of such a progressive industry is inspiring the next generation.
We look at opportunities with organisations such as the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) and the Academy of Urbanism to demonstrate what we’ve achieved and inspire the next generation as they embark on new paths into the working world.
“I’m pleased to be shortlisted as an EG Rising Star and recognised as part of a group of amazing people in our industry. I’m looking forward to hearing the result soon – fingers crossed!”
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