Hillcrest Director of Development to retire after 40-year career
David Zwirlein has worked in housing for 40 years, having first worked at Leith Housing Action Area before moving on to Hillcrest.
Hillcrest’s Director of Development, David Zwirlein, is hanging up his hard hat after a 40-year career in housing. He is retiring at time when Hillcrest is undertaking a development programme that his involvement has been instrumental in.
Starting out his career as an architect, Mr Zwirlein worked on projects that improved tenemental properties in the Leith Housing Action Area. Working in the area of affordable housing was to be a common theme throughout his career.
Mr Zwirlein said: “I’ve been fortunate to work with two great housing organisations and given the opportunity to deliver good quality, well designed, affordable housing which helps strengthen neighbourhoods and communities.
"As well as with colleagues, it’s been really rewarding to work with partners, including local authorities, the Scottish Government, design teams, developers and contractors who share this goal of striving to provide the best for our tenants and customers.”
Fiona Morrison, Hillcrest’s Deputy Chief Executive, said: “The impact David has made on affordable housing is huge. With his former employer, Home Group, David led on the regeneration of Mill O’Mains in Dundee and contributed to several hundred new homes in Whitfield, Dundee, and Burdiehouse, Edinburgh.
“At Hillcrest, David has contributed to increasing our development programme from around 50 new homes per year to its current programme of over 600 per year, over seven local authority areas. He leaves us at a time when we have just been identified as the third biggest builder of affordable homes in the UK. A massive achievement that David has been at the forefront of.
“On a personal note, it has been an absolute pleasure working with David. He is a well-liked, supportive colleague and will be greatly missed. Everyone at Hillcrest joins me in wishing him a healthy and happy retirement. I know David particularly enjoyed working on large-scale renovation projects, and I am sure Elaine will keep him busy with some smaller projects of her own!”