The Royal Parks charity has appointed Darren Woodward as the new Director of Estates and Projects.
Woodward joins The Royal Parks from Rider Levett Bucknall, a leading property and construction consultancy. During his 15 years at the company, he worked in partnership with The Royal Parks, managing several high-profile projects, including the Hyde Park Super Nursery, the Richmond Park Golf Course, and the restoration of the Henry Moore Arch in Kensington Gardens.
His new position will see him sit on the executive board of The Royal Parks and oversee the delivery of major capital projects, as well as being responsible for the provision and maintenance of the built estate, including lodges, staff accommodation and over 140 statues and monuments.
Woodward began his career with a degree in Engineering on a Ministry of Defence navy sponsorship, leading to placements working as a civilian project engineer on warships and submarines, including a three-month posting on HMS Invincible during the Persian Gulf Conflict in 1999.
Commenting on his new role with The Royal Parks charity, Woodward said: “I am looking forward to delivering more exciting projects, and continuing the essential work of looking after and preserving the 140 monuments and statues across London’s eight Royal Parks, from the Queen Victoria Memorial in St James’s Park to the General Wolfe Statue in Greenwich Park.”