Ian Harrabin - December winner

Ian Harrabin is one of the country’s leading and most innovative urban renewal developers, carving out a remarkable reputation in urban regeneration over the past 25 years.

As Managing Director of Complex Development Projects Ltd (CDP), a privately owned urban renewal developer, he has specialised in a number of partnerships with the city of Coventry. With an office in Coventry many of his projects have been highlighted in national awards including the Phoenix Initiative, shortlisted for the Stirling Prize and the innovative live/work village at Electric Wharf. The Electric wharf project is widely regarded as a best practice project winning the Outstanding Place of the Decade award from RegenWM in 2010.

Many of the projects concentrate on mixed use schemes with an emphasis on design, area based renewal and historic buildings. Ian has brought his particular influence on these projects that have helped shape Coventry. The Far Gosford St regeneration project is one of the most recent schemes where Ian is leaving his mark. As the city’s most intact historic street although only part way through it has already won the Best Regeneration Project in the West Midlands.

Ian is Chairman of The Charterhouse Priory Trust, a charity formed to restore a Grade 1 former Carthusian monastery dating from 1381 for public access. He is also an active member of The Prince of Wales Developer’s Forum providing support and advice to The Prince’s Regeneration Trust. 

His efforts reflect a major contribution to commercial life, enterprise employment and the development of the city. Together he should feel proud of these efforts and is very deserving of the Good Citizen Award.