Robin Dobson named as chief executive of Network Rail’s new 40,000-home property developer

Robin Dobson has been named as the chief executive of a new Network Rail property company set to launch this autumn.

The group property director of Network Rail Property will lead the new outfit, known as Platform4, which has been set up following Network Rail’s acquisition of London & Continental Railways (LCR).

Peter Hawthorne, who has been chief executive of LCR since 2019, will join Platform4 as strategic projects director. 

The appointments follow the announcement this summer of Bek Seeley as chair of the new business, which has been created to build up to 40,000 homes over the next decade on disused railway land. 

Around 15,000 homes are expected to be delivered in the first five years, according to Network Rail.

>> See also: ‘This is a growth story’… How Network Rail plans to become one of the UK’s biggest housebuilders

The rejig will see the development team of Network Rail Property, the firm behind several large schemes across the UK including the redevelopment of Liverpool Street station, combined with LCR’s development team to form the new business.

Meanwhile, Building understands Network Rail Property will be reduced to non-development functions including station retail, commercial filming, promotions and advertising.

Network Rail declined to say if Dobson will continue to lead Network Rail Property following the launch of Platform4 or if his current role as group property director will still exist.