About
Our Business
Brookgate is a development company, specialising in mixed-use revitalisation projects.
We turn areas that were once ailing or run down, into diverse and sustainable communities that cities can be proud of.
Our Ethos
Brookgate aims to create truly liveable, attractive communities that are designed with the needs of residents, workers and visitors in mind. Our developments:
Create modern city lifestyles
We work with local councils and planners, builders, landowners and architects to deliver the right balance of work, retail and leisure facilities to our developments and help form the lifestyles that people want to live.
Generate opportunities for local people
In partnership with our main contractors, we aim to create jobs and apprenticeship opportunities for local people. We work with schools and colleges in educating pupils about our transformational developments.
Offer a more sustainable future
Our developments are designed to complement an area’s existing environment and reflect its traditional architecture. We focus on creating a lower carbon community through greener buildings and by reducing the need for cars, easing congestion and helping improve air quality.
Creating communities. Shaping lifestyles.
Sven Töpel
Chief Executive
Sven is Chief Executive and a Founding Director of Brookgate. He specialises in complex developments with multiple stakeholders and has led the CB1 development that has revitalised the area around Cambridge Station. He has also been instrumental in attracting prestigious employers such as Microsoft and Amazon to set up research departments at CB1.
Sven was formerly Group Development and Investment Director at Hammerson Plc where he spent ten years and was an integral member of the senior management team shaping and driving Hammerson’s strategy and performance.
Sven is a Chartered Surveyor and holds an MSc. He was previously in the office investment team at Jones Lang Wootton (LaSalle).
Jon Wooles
Group Finance Director
Jon is Group Finance Director and a Founding Director of Brookgate. He brings experience and insight to all areas of business activity, with responsibility for corporate control, funding and business planning.
Jon was previously Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer of Metropolitan Housing Partnership, where he was responsible for the organisation’s financial strategy.
Jon is a chartered accountant and holds an MBA and first degree in civil engineering.
Ivan Bennett
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTOR
Ivan joined Brookgate as Construction Director in 2012, leading on construction activity and appraising and bringing forward new opportunities. He brings with him a wide range of construction delivery experience and expertise having worked over the past 30 years in contracting, consulting and also developer investor organisations.
Ivan has led the project management on a number of high profile major mixed use schemes, most notably at Hammerson Plc.
Ivan is a Chartered Builder and holds a degree in Construction Management.
Simon Wallis
PROPERTY DIRECTOR
Simon joined Brookgate in 2015. He leads on commercial letting and marketing of office and retail space, together with related property deals and estate matters. In addition, Simon manages the corporate relationship with Brookgate’s partners and external stakeholders.
Simon brings over 30 years of real estate experience including residential-led mixed-use schemes and retail development, having been Development Executive for Hammerson plc on Bullring Birmingham.
Simon is a Chartered Surveyor and holds a degree in Estate Management.
David Long
Head of new business
David joined Brookgate in 2019 and leads on new business, working with partners and stakeholders from inception through planning and funding to construction delivery. David’s primary focus has been the Cambridge North development.
David has 40 years of industry experience and has worked as a Partner in major consultancy practices and as a Director in top FTSE 250 plc construction/housebuilding company.
David has a broad range of experience across a variety of sectors in both private and public sectors including helping to deliver workplaces, homes, hotels and education buildings.
Over 30 years’ experience - we know buildings
Phillip Edmondson
Senior Project Manager
Phillip joined Brookgate as Senior Project Manager in 2017. He manages delivery of our key construction projects and liaises closely with the main contractors and professional design teams.
Phillip brings over 40 years of experience of the industry working for contractors and developers leading on large development projects at home and overseas.
Phillip is a Full Member of the Association for Project Management and holds Diplomas in Project Management and Quantity Surveying.
Alan Barrett
Development Project Manager
Alan joined Brookgate as Development Project Manager in 2009. He manages scheme related development concerns and maintains close working relationships with Local Authorities and landowners.
Alan has a wealth of experience from commercial, residential, leisure and civils projects, having previously worked for Turner & Townsend and Capita Symonds.
Alan is a Member of the Association for Project Management and the Chartered Institute of Building and holds an HNC in Built Environment.
Amanda Smith
Human Resources & Accounts Manager
Amanda has been with Brookgate since 2009. She is responsible for HR and day to day accounts management.
Amanda has over 20 years of experience in the real estate sector managing corporate accounts and personnel issues.
Amanda is HR qualified and a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Julie Cameron
Team Personal Assistant
Julie has been with Brookgate since 2009. She is Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive and the team.
Julie has over 20 years of PA and administration experience, having worked previously in the telecommunications sector.
Julie liaises externally with all of Brookgate’s partners, consultants and suppliers.
Developments for the future
