New Corporate Director for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration appointed

Jehan Weerasinghe is to become Brent Council’s next Corporate Director for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration.

In a career spanning more than 20 years, Jehan has worked for some of the UK’s largest housing associations, including L&Q and the Wheatley Group. Most recently, he was managing director of the One Housing Group (part of the Riverside Group).

Kim Wright, Chief Executive of Brent Council, said:

“I’m delighted to have Jehan on board. He brings a wealth of experience, having led major regeneration programmes in London, understanding the complexities involved and how to navigate them successfully. He’s been instrumental in delivering over 12,000 much-needed new homes across the capital, including our own project in South Kilburn.”

Jehan will be responsible for planning and regeneration, making sure the borough is creating the new homes and job opportunities that residents need, as well as stewardship of the public realm through parks, environmental enforcement and highways services. This includes plans to build 5,000 homes in Alperton and projects set to revitalise Staples Corner, and the town centres of Church End and Neasden.

On his new role, Jehan said:

“I’m very excited about joining Brent. I’ve worked with the council in the past, so I know how ambitious they are. The borough has helped create a significant number of affordable houses in recent years, and we want that to continue.

“As well as building new homes, we need to work with communities to develop more green space. We also have Wembley Stadium – the home of football and a national icon for entertainment. We need to look at how we can make the most of the opportunities it brings, for the benefit of our residents. All this must be done in a sustainable way, with minimal impact on the environment.

“I’ve been coming to the borough since I was a little kid. My parents are from Sri Lanka, and I was born in Sutton at a time when it was predominantly white. There wasn’t much that catered for us there, so I remember family trips north of the Thames to stock up on spices and other supplies. I’ve got great childhood memories of different sights, sounds and smells.

“Brent’s diversity was a big reason behind my decision. I want to make sure our plans for development and regeneration celebrate the communities we serve.”

Jehan will start his new position at the beginning of September. He takes over from Alice Lester MBE, who is retiring after a career spanning four decades including the past nine years at Brent Council.