We add heritage team as part of growth strategy

Nottingham-based heritage consultancy Locus is merging with Midlands, London and South West-based planning, design and development consultancy Marrons – adding a new service line to its portfolio.

Taking on the Marrons brand, the team of four have more than 40 years’ combined experience in planning with all aspects of the historic environment.

Joining Marrons is heritage partner Adam Partington, principal heritage planner Tom Street, senior heritage planner Robert Templar and assistant heritage planner Brixie Payne.

Leading the team, Adam Partington has more than 18 years’ experience gained in private practice and local authority. Working closely with local authorities, developers, private individuals and charities, Adam is a skilled mediator and has significant experience in taking strategic, creative and commercial approaches to planning with heritage assets.

With more than 14 years’ experience, Tom Street previously worked as a local authority conservation officer and has an in-depth understanding of architectural history, historic building maintenance, heritage legislation and grant-funded schemes. A member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), Tom is an advocate for environmental sustainability and heritage-led regeneration.

Robert Templar has more than 12 years’ experience working in the archaeological sector, including seven years in consultancy. Robert evaluates the archaeological potential of development sites and supports the role it can have in place shaping.

Brixie Payne supports the team in preparing detailed heritage statements, archival research and assisting with site analysis, having previously studied at both Durham University and the University of Leicester’s School of Museum Studies. She also took a lead role in a national eLearning programme for Historic England due to be launched early 2023.

Adam said: “Our historic environment plays an important role in shaping distinctive places. Taking positive development-led approaches to planning with heritage assets is key to reconciling agendas of growth and conservation effectively.

“We are really excited to be joining our colleagues at Marrons. The merger will augment the design and planning service already offered by Marrons, to create a multi-disciplinary team that offers our clients a truly integrated service when planning with heritage assets.

Marrons, which is part of legal and professional services group Ampa, has grown significantly in the past financial year and maintains ambitions to broaden its geography and service offering in the coming months. The heritage service announcement follows shortly after the consultancy announced it will also offer architectural services, with the addition of a new team in Bristol.

Head of Marrons Brian Mullin said: “We are delighted to welcome Adam and his team to Marrons. We have been working successfully with this team on many projects for several years and Locus’ reputation for expert advice and excellent client service strongly aligns with Marrons.

“Adam and his team bring a depth of expert knowledge towards supporting our clients in complex planning matters.

Marrons is proactively seeking team and lateral hires.