Make no little plans
...they have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realised. Make big plans. Aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble logical diagram, once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone, will be a living thing, asserting itself with ever growing insistency. Remember that our sons and grandsons are going to do things that will stagger us. Let your watchword be order and your beacon beauty.
Daniel H Burnham, Architect of the 1909 Plan of Chicago
Reimagining and lifting communities.
Creating inspiring new neighbourhoods with lasting legacy.
In partnership with leading developers, financial institutions, and local authorities we are trusted to deliver large-scale, complex regeneration projects – working with local communities to imagine new neighbourhoods and leave a legacy for future generations to enjoy.
We are a visionary property development company that specialises in reimagining places and lifting communities.
We have over 30 years' experience in regeneration, with a strong record of working with local councils and partners to identify land and buildings in overlooked urban areas in need of transformation.
Over the years we have managed numerous projects delivering mixed-use communities, providing new homes, leisure, employment and business opportunities, all set within beautifully designed landscapes.
Our Projects
Our Founders
Richard Olsen
Partner and Chief Executive
With 30 years' experience in the property industry Richard combines detailed market knowledge with an entrepreneurial drive and an adventurous spirit giving him a well-proven ability to find the solution to even the most intractable property problems. His approach to business is simple: think of the future; be tenacious; pay meticulous attention to design and planning; deliver on time; always act with integrity.
Jean Woolley
Partner
Jean has a wealth of experience at the highest political and corporate level, and has been Richard's business partner for over 20 years, since they worked on delivering the Cardiff International Sports Village. Overseeing communication with all stakeholders and public engagement with local communities, Jean ensures their vision, creativity and ambition is balanced with pragmatism.
Ben King
Partner and Director
Having gained a degree in Real Estate Management, Ben spent the early part of his career working as Land Director for Heronsbrook Homes. In 2006 Ben was appointed Group Land Director of the Wooldridge Group, responsible for operations and strategic growth of the business and remained in the role until 2019. With over twenty years' experience in the land and development industry helping to build two successful companies, in 2020 Ben decided to form his own company, King Charles Homes.
Mick Betteridge
Special Advisor
Since retiring from a full military career, Mick has run his own property rental business, was the Field Operations Manager for a major logistics support company which included setting up a field hospital for an oil and gas company in Uganda, and as Operations and Technical Director in the security and risk management sector he safely evacuated clients from a rapidly declining state in Libya. Mick also served as the CEO of a military charity, where he re-structured the fundraising and welfare delivery to wounded, injured, sick and those in need. Mick joined Orion Land from the major US Build to Rent specialist, Cortland, based in London, where he was the Chief of Staff and Head of UK Operations.
Denton King
Special Advisor
Denton is a real estate investment and finance professional. He has worked on successful Build-to-Rent and Build-to-Sell projects throughout the United Kingdom, Canada, and Europe. He studied finance at the State University of New York, where he captained the NCAA ice hockey team to the national championships. Since joining Orion, Denton has enjoyed working on successful projects in Woking, Maidenhead, Cardiff, Birmingham and more.