Regeneration champion of the year

Sponsored by Peter Brett Associates

This month David Pretty will walk out of Barratt Developments for the last time, after 27 years at the company. It is therefore fitting that the group chief executive’s contribution to regeneration should be recognised with this title. Our judges summed up Pretty’s achievements this way: “Since taking over from the late Frank Eaton, David has driven the regeneration strategy for Barratt hard, delivering well designed and complex buildings in cities and large towns across the country. He has raised awareness with the government of regeneration issues.” Look at schemes like The Visage in London’s Swiss Cottage, Axiom in Feltham, west London, and Freeman’s Meadow in Leicester and you’ll see what they mean.

When he became chief executive, Pretty took the drivers of the successful southern regional division he had built, including design quality, large-scale urban regeneration and social housing partnership, and applied them to the whole company. This transformed the housebuilder and its reputation for efficient delivery, and ongoing organic growth has been maintained.

Pretty’s list of achievements while at Barratt includes selling a home to Margaret Thatcher. He has been a true industry leader, contributing to policy debates through initiatives such as his 18-point plan to improve the workings of the planning system.

Runners up

Sir Albert Bore, Birmingham City Council

David Higgins, Olympic Delivery Authority

Sir Bob Kerslake, Sheffield City Council