Bovis regroups to tackle Olympics

Its parent, Lend Lease, was named preferred bidder for the job three weeks ago.

The company is in the process of setting up the Stratford City business unit, which will be headed up by Peter Jacobs, who leads the strategic clients group (SCG) at Bovis.

Bovis confirmed to Building that it will oversee the delivery of the Olympic village on behalf of Lend Lease. This includes project management as well as construction. Lend Lease’s clients on the scheme are the Olympic Delivery Authority and London & Continental Railways.

Julian Daniel, who was appointed head of the southern division of Bovis in November, will oversee the SCG when Jacobs moves to his new role. The SCG manages projects for clients including Stanhope, British Land and Land Securities.

Jacobs will be joined on the Stratford project by other, as yet unconfirmed, colleagues from the SCG. The team will be based at Bovis’ office in Lombard Street in the City of London.

Murray Coleman, the UK chief executive of Bovis, said the company’s experience on other Olympic projects would be useful at Stratford. He said: “We built the Olympic village and aquatic centre for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. We’ll use best practice from those projects and others to deliver Stratford.

“We are conscious that what we build will be a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

In another change at Bovis this week, the former head of the southern division, John Howell, has left after 35 years. Howell was replaced by Daniel, but remained in the business working on special projects.

A spokesperson for Bovis said it was Howell’s decision to leave and that he would not be replaced.