Manchester based Nikal Group has welcomed Darren Jones, previously Managing Director of Himor Group and Director of Economic Development at Oldham Council, as Development Director.

“We are delighted that Darren has joined us. He brings to the team 30 years’ of private and public sector experience in regeneration, development and management. He will provide strategic advice, help deliver complex brownfield projects where we work in partnership with landowners, Local Planning Authorities and community groups across the UK and help us focus on expanding the activities of our home builder brand, Hillcrest Homes,” said Nick Payne, Nikal co-founder and Managing Director.

Darren Jones managed a number of public and private joint ventures, capital programmes, residential developments, asset, FM, marketing and sales functions, as part of his role within Oldham Council. He also implemented and delivered the Town’s strategic investment framework, its regeneration strategy and major placemaking projects, including the award winning Old Town Hall and The Independent Quarter.

Moreover, Jones ran his own development company, called Reflect Developments, for five years and spent 18 successful years at Orbit Developments.

Talking about his new role, Jones said: “I have known Nick for 35 years and greatly admired the achievements of the Nikal Group so was delighted when he asked me to come on board. I look forward to working closely with Nick and the Nikal and Hillcrest Homes teams to deliver some fantastic new projects.”

The Nikal Group is a dynamic and progressive force within the property industry that specialises in both the imaginative redevelopment and regeneration of strategic sites across the UK, such as Masshouse in Birmingham and Altair in Altrincham.

Within the group is leading luxury homebuilder Hillcrest Homes which recently expanded into the Ribble Valley with a development of 30 new homes in Hurst Green, near Whalley.