n this episode of Development Diaries, host John Guest is joined by Simon Harding-Roots, Regional Managing Director for the South at Muse, and formerly Managing Director of London at the Crown Estate and Executive Director for Major Projects at Grosvenor – a career built on navigating
complex urban regeneration, placemaking, and public-private partnership across some of the UK’s most significant real estate organisations.
Simon traces his path from a teenage temping stint in the planning department of Elmbridge Borough Council – a genuine sliding doors moment – through a geography degree, an RICS qualification at Drivers Jonas, and
into the highest levels of estate management and strategic development.
He reflects on the contrast between working within long-term custodial organisations like the Crown Estate and Grosvenor versus the sharper commercial pace of private development, and what each taught him about patience, partnership, and getting the most out of complex urban land.
The conversation explores Simon’s deep belief in brownfield-first development, the transformative potential of infrastructure investment like the
Elizabeth line, and why – despite the very real viability challenges facing the sector – he remains a committed optimist.
