ROUSE Kent, developer of Kings Hill, West Malling, has appointed Andrew Blevins as managing director of UK operations.

He will be responsible for all UK and European developments and acquisitions on behalf of Rouse Kent and its US affiliate, Liberty Property Trust, a Real Estate Investment Trust listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

He will report to former chief executive James Maneri, who is moving to America to assume new responsibilities.

Mr Blevins was formerly European development and funding director of Jones Lang Lasalle. He has been involved in 27 funding projects worth £516m and providing about 1.5million sq ft of new office space.

"I am joining the Rouse Kent/Liberty team at a very exciting time," he said. "Now in its 12th year, Kings Hill is an established business and residential community with over 100 businesses on site employing approaching 5,000 people with a further 3,500 people living there.

"I am keen to show Kings Hill as Liberty's signature project in the UK and to enhance Liberty's acquisition and development opportunities outside Kent. I aim to build on James Maneri's achievements in securing investments in Chertsey, Manchester and Uxbridge."

In a separate move, Nick Condon has been promoted to Kings Hill project director. He was previously construction director with eight years' experience with Rouse Kent. He replaces John Castorina, who is retiring.

Mr Condon will assume day-to-day responsibility for Kings Hill as well as overseeing construction activity at Liberty's other UK development projects.

Meanwhile, 80 per cent of speculative space at Kings Hill is now committed. Recent signings include 10,000 sq ft leased to Locate in Kent and Ashcourt Asset Management.

Other occupiers include Man Group Plc, ADT Fire & Security, Marsh UK, Aventis Pharma, Kimberly-Clark, BT Ignite Solutions, Standard Life and the Woolwich.