Bidwells Appoints New Head of Heritage

A chartered surveyor turned heritage specialist, Virginia brings a unique blend of commercial and conservation experience to the role. Having started her career at King Sturge and later working in acquisitions for major hospitality operators including city centre restaurants, Scottish & Newcastle, and Regent Inns, she retrained in 2016 to specialise in architectural conservation. 

Since then, Virginia has worked on a broad range of high-profile heritage and planning projects, from Tower Bridge, and The Dorchester and Lanesborough hotels, to the British Museum and the Knole Estate in Kent, as well as numerous other listed buildings, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens and conservation areas across the UK. 

At Bidwells, she will lead the Heritage team in expanding their remit beyond traditional heritage work with colleges, science parks and residential developments, to explore new opportunities in renewable energy infrastructure, strategic land, and large-scale placemaking projects. Her appointment reinforces Bidwells’ commitment to delivering balanced, insight-led planning advice that integrates quality with heritage and sustainability. 

“Heritage should not be a barrier to development, but a catalyst for creating better, more meaningful places,” said Virginia Brewer, Head of Heritage at Bidwells. “In my new role, I want to demonstrate that heritage can be a powerful driver for progress and regeneration. My focus will be on showing how heritage and innovation can work together to shape environments for the better.” 

Mike Derbyshire, Head of Planning at Bidwells, said: “Virginia’s arrival brings fresh expertise and perspective to our growing Heritage team. Her deep understanding of both the commercial and conservation aspects of development will be an asset to our team. We’re delighted to welcome her.”