Liverpool City Council has appointed Sophie Bevan as its new Director of Development and Major Projects.
Sophie, currently Senior Investment Manager at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, will begin the new role on 1st May.
Sophie Bevan has an impressive track record in place-based management, development and investment, coupled with a strong commercial perspective and a genuine passion for the city’s future.
She will lead Liverpool City Council’s Development team, overseeing design and delivery of property development and public realm improvements, to attract investment, boost economic growth and maximise positive outcomes for our residents.
Sophie will focus on delivering sustainable development across the city centre and communities, including overseeing major schemes such as Anfield Square, Kings Dock, Paddington Village, Festival Gardens and the Littlewoods site.
Born and bred in Liverpool and the Wirral, Sophie gained a Masters in Land Economy from the University of Cambridge, before starting her career as a graduate surveyor for Mason Owen.
She is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, an accredited reviewer for the Infrastructure and Projects Authority and is currently enrolled at the prestigious Major Projects Leadership Academy.
Her previous roles include Retail and Leisure Director for Allied London, Associate Partner for Knight Frank and Associate Director for Europa Capital Partners.
Whilst at the LCRCA, Sophie has led on place-related investments for the Strategic Investment Fund, both within Liverpool and across the wider city region, including town centre regeneration, cultural and commercial developments and the visitor economy.
Sophie will work closely with the newly appointed Corporate Director for City Development Nuala Gallagher, to continue the transformation of Liverpool City Council’s City Development directorate.
The appointment is part of a reorganisation of the Council’s senior team, with the authority also in the midst of recruiting for many key posts, including: a permanent Chief Executive, new Corporate Directors for Neighbourhoods and Housing, Finance and Resources and Children and Young People. With new Directors being sought for Economic Strategy, Skills and Sustainability, Highways and Transport, Housing and Commercial and Companies.
Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson said:
“Sophie has the vision, passion and dedication to excel in this role. She is an outstanding professional who brings with her more than twenty-five years of investment and development experience in both the public and private sectors. I welcome her appointment, which further strengthens the senior team at the Council and will undoubtedly help us deliver better outcomes for our residents.”
Sophie Bevan said:
“I am delighted to be joining the Council and to have an opportunity to make a difference in the city that I was born in, the city that I love. There’s never been a more exciting time to be a part of Liverpool’s story – with so many ground-breaking developments underway and schemes that will help stimulate economic growth and jobs for our residents. I cannot wait to get started.”