NewRiver’s boss named as chair of the British Property Federation’s new retail board

The British Property Federation has appointed landlord NewRiver Reit’s boss Allan Lockhart as the chair of its new retail board.

The retail board was launched last month to drive the strategic agenda for the UK retail property sector and its advocacy – to ensure that the views of retail property are better heard and understood by both central and regional governments.

It was set up at a time when retail landlords face a number of challenges as tenants struggle with Covid-19 lockdowns. A number of high street retailers had already been grappling with difficulties before the pandemic, including high business rates and increasing competition from online rivals.

Lockhart started his career with Strutt & Parker in 1988, and in 2009 he co-founded NewRiver Retail, which has a portfolio of 33 community shopping centres and 24 retail parks.

He will focus the new board on championing the role of retail property investment in creating vibrant communities. There will also be a focus on ensuring the industry rises to the challenge of net zero carbon.