We undertake the full development process, from assembling sites, obtaining planning permission and financing development, through to building, letting and selling. We get a kick from delivering buildings and improving the urban environment.

More often than not, this means making substantial, long-term commitments, using our own money.

The phased development of Brindleyplace has taken over 10 years. We have spent a similar period taking forward the reclamation of land holdings at Ffos-y-fran, Merthyr Tydfil and the sustainable re-use of former mineral and waste land at Colnbrook, near Heathrow.

Our experience has taught us to approach development and regeneration on a long-term basis.

Our joint venture with the landowners looks to the long-term and establishes a collective ownership structure.

At King's Cross, it has taken over six years to achieve resolutions, by the local planning authorities, to grant planning permission. Perhaps this demonstrates a steely core; a dogged determination to see the job through. Perhaps development is just getting harder.

We already apply similar principles at Brindleyplace, where collective ownership and management have been a key part of sustaining success.

Most of Brindleyplace is now owned by The Brindleyplace Limited Partnership, a £400 million vehicle, conceived and created by us, comprising Argent, BTPS, the Royal Mail Pension Plan and third party (mostly private) investors. Argent retains a stake and manages the development on behalf of all the partnership investors.