West Byfleet

West Byfleet is a small settlement outside of Woking in South East England. The town centre comprised of a Waitrose food store, a number of independent traders, and a large derelict office block and retail complex known as Sheer House.

This 2-acre concrete jungle at the centre of the town was harming the vitality and viability of the area. James Ahearne facilitated the strategy for Retirement Villages Group, and it's investor AXA IM, with their first forary into urban living.

James acquired the site unconditionally from a Canadian owner and obtained planning permission for 197 apartments, a new public square and car park, plus third party retail units. The local community, businesses and politicans were engaged throughout the process, which resulted in exceptional support and genuine partnership; a model for how the best development happens.