James Rayner joins Gascoyne Estates as Estate Director, Hatfield Park, to drive forward the next phase of the Estates’ transformation

We are delighted to announce the appointment of James Rayner as Estate Director, Hatfield Park. This comes as Anthony Downs steps down from the role after 25 years at Gascoyne Estates.

James has more than 25 years’ experience in the real estate sector where he has held positions at CBRE, LendLease, Marks and Spencer and British Land. Most recently James served as Head of Retail at Related Argent. James set and implemented the strategies across key projects, King’s Cross and Brent Cross Town, delivering long-term asset value.  James was responsible for the ongoing evolution of the ground floor plane in King’s Cross, considered a global exemplar for urban regeneration and Brent Cross Town, a new £8bn development in north London creating a mixed-use town centre. At King’s Cross, James worked alongside Google on their first purpose-built HQ in the UK, providing strategic, operational and leasing advice in the lead up to the marketing launch in July 2025.

Prior to his role at Related Argent James has experience in managing and advising on placemaking, retail leasing, developments and value creation within mixed used assets such as Broadgate in the City of London. James also sits on a select committee advising the Museum of London board on the relocation of the museum into Smithfield’s market, scheduled to open in 2026.

As Estate Director, James will play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of the organisation’s evolution. His remit includes enhancing the existing property portfolio; delivering strategic sites—including homes and employment spaces—across Hertfordshire; strengthening the Hatfield Park Leisure business; and advancing the Estate’s commitment to regenerative agriculture and continuous cover forestry.

Anthony Downs, departing Estate Director, has played a pivotal role in establishing Gascoyne Estates as a leading legacy landowner whose work continues to blend stewardship with forward-thinking placemaking. His tenure has been defined by bold vision, strategic regeneration, and a deep commitment to future-proofing one of Britain’s most historic estates.

From the acquisition and refurbishment of the Berlin portfolio to hands-on leadership across Hatfield Park, Cranborne Estate, and Gascoyne London, Anthony has shaped every corner of the Estate. His most ambitious undertaking—the regeneration of Old Hatfield—culminates in the Salisbury Square development, a community-centric urban scheme that will connect Hatfield Park to the old town centre when completed in spring 2026. This legacy was formally recognised last week at The King’s Foundation’s ‘Building a Legacy’ awards, where Anthony  was honoured with the Foundation’s Key Role Award.

Anthony’s influence extends beyond Gascoyne Estates. He has served on the expert panel for the Office for Place, advising the UK Government on national design standards and coding. Now, as he sets up his own practice—a long-held ambition—he looks forward to working with like-minded organisations who share his belief in stewardship, sustainability, and visionary placemaking.

Jorge Mendonça, CEO at Gascoyne Estates said: “Anthony has been instrumental in the transformation of Gascoyne Estates over the last 25 years – particularly in facilitating the complex development of Salisbury Square. I’m personally hugely grateful for all his work to get us so near to completion stage. Anthony becomes a Non-Executive Director for Gascoyne Estates to ensure we can continue to call on his knowledge and experience as development schemes progress.

We are delighted to have James join our Senior Leadership Team, his expert knowledge in building vibrant retail and leisure environments will be crucial in amplifying the Estate’s growth over the forthcoming years, bringing lasting social and commercial value to the Old Hatfield community.”

Anthony Downs said: “It has been a great pleasure working with the team to bring the Estate into its next phase. I look forward to my continuing connection as a Non-Executive Director on the Development Board .”

James Rayner said: “To help shape the next phase of an estate that is leading the way in sustainability, regenerative farming and sympathetic property development with such rich heritage and natural beauty—just minutes from central London—is both a privilege and a challenge. Old Hatfield is uniquely positioned to become a future-facing destination: one that blends open space, community, and commercial vitality in a way that feels truly modern and meaningful. I’m excited to build on Gascoyne Estate’s legacy and work with the team to create a vibrant destination where people can live, visit, work and relax.”

Other key appointments include David Tod, who in September took a new role as Director of Visitor Operations across the Estate. His role will include setting the strategic direction of the events and activations planning across Hatfield Park to support visitor footfall and enrich the visitor experience, creating a world class visitor attraction to suit all audiences.