Tony Palgrave understood to be heading off to client on 拢1bn London Olympia redevelopment

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Mace has confirmed that its construction director for major projects Tony Palgrave is leaving after nearly a decade at the business.

好色先生TV understands that he is heading off to work with the client behind the 拢1bn redevelopment of London Olympia.

Mace had been considered favourite for the scheme, designed by Heatherwick Studio, but was pipped to the deal by Laing O鈥橰ourke in May. Olympia is owned by a consortium of investors which includes Yoo Capital, believed to be Palgrave鈥檚 next employer.

Palgrave, who was born in Zimbabwe, has been at Mace since the beginning of 2010 and was project director on the Shard working hand-in-hand with its current chief executive officer for construction, Gareth Lewis, on the firm鈥檚 breakthrough job as a main contractor.

One source said: 鈥淭ony鈥檚 a really good bloke, very capable and very pleasant. I鈥檓 surprised he鈥檚 going because he was really close with Gareth.鈥

He was also project director on the loss-making Nova Victoria mixed-use scheme Mace built for Landsec and was understood to have been lined up to lead Mace鈥檚 team on Sellar鈥檚 拢350m Paddington Cube which it won earlier this year.

In a statement, Andy Jones, Mace鈥檚 managing director for major projects, said: 鈥淭ony has had a long and successful career with Mace, helping us deliver some of London鈥檚 most iconic buildings. We wish him all the best in his new role.鈥

Earlier this week, Mace rejigged its management structure will see four senior figures promoted to divisional chief executive positions from the beginning of next year.