A LEADING planning and design business, has opened a new south coast office in Hampshire.

Barton Willmore hasve taken a premises at the Ocean Village Innovation Centre in Southampton, adding to the firm’s existing network of 11 offices across the UK.

The firm which acted as as town planners and lead consultants on the Gunwharf Quays development in Portsmouth haves also worked more recently on the Watermark extension to WestQuay, in Southampton.

Partner Robin Shepherd will run the office and has appointed experienced planners Tim Guymer, Carolyn Organ and Rebecca Horrocks as associates.

Tim joins Barton Willmore as an associate from Eastleigh Borough Council where he was planning policy manager.

Carolyn comesjoins the business from South Oxfordshire District Council where she was major applications officer.

Rebecca was at previously at GVA Grimley in Bristol, where she has been focussing on major development proposals.

Tom Looker, director at Barton Willmore’s Reading office will also transfer to Southampton to help build the new South Coast team.

This core team will also be complemented by a wider team of planners and designers based in Reading.

Robin Shepherd said: “The South Coast region is one of the most dynamic, populous and beautiful in the UK, but it faces some serious challenges in terms of planning for the future, investing in key infrastructure, growing the economy and delivering new homes all the while protecting the very things that make it so special.

“We believe we can contribute to tackling those challenges.

“Opening a new South Coast office gives us a stronger platform for doing that and we’re looking forward to getting involved and bringing our skills and expertise to the table.”

“The South Coast has so much to offer and needs to play to its strengths if it is to continue its growth and prosperity. Linking key infrastructure delivery with much-needed new homes will be the key to unlocking its potential.”

Founded 80 years ago Barton Willmore, which employs more than 360 people across its network of offices, spans all aspects of planning, masterplanning and design.