Freeman is well known as one of the visionaries behind the revival of Kings Cross, as well as major developments in Birmingham and Manchester.

He has a track record of planning and delivering the regeneration of local areas and creating places that are both socially and economically vibrant.

Freeman will now lead the transformation of Homes England into a commercially focused organisation that works with the public, private and voluntary sector to deliver homes and infrastructure.

He said: “Homes England has a vital role to play in improving the lives of all those affected by the housing crisis by providing land, investment and expertise to accelerate housebuilding.

“Based on my own experience, I strongly believe that we can deliver the necessary quantity, quality and variety of housing that is needed, while creating homes where people can enjoy a real sense of belonging to vibrant communities.”

Under Freeman’s leadership, Homes England will play an important role in creating a development pipeline that can support our economic recovery and ensure housing and employment opportunities are spread across England.

Homes England will also continue to support smaller builders to maintain the diversity and the resilience of the housebuilding sector in a challenging economic environment, with plans underway to improve access to land and funding for smaller firms.

Homes England will also support the Government’s recent commitment to increase the use of modern methods of construction by including MMC criteria in the distribution of funding to housing associations.

This will form part of the delivery by Homes England of the new Affordable Homes Programme outside London, which is designed to increase homes for affordable ownership and rent.