LAND Securities, owner and operator of The Gate, in Newcastle, and The Bridges shopping centre, Sunderland, has made two appointments.

JAMES LARMUTH has been appointed portfolio manager, with responsibility for the Gate.

The group has appointed LEE COLLINS as chartered building surveyor, with responsibility for the Bridges.

Both men will be based in Land Securities' regional office in Leeds, but with responsibility for the North-East.

Regional director Gerald Jennings, said: "As part of our ongoing programme of active management and investment, James and Lee will play important roles in ensuring that our occupiers and shareholders gain maximum value from the centres that we own and manage in the North-East."