As we welcome a new year in, Bradford’s regeneration programme moves in to a new phase of delivery through the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council.
Bradford Centre Regeneration (BCR), always intended as an organisation with a limited lifespan, is due to transfer its activities to the Council on 31 January. After 6 years as BCR’s Chief Executive, the time is approaching for me to move on. As part of the transfer process, I shall be stepping aside as Chief Executive of BCR this month too.
Over the past months, I have been working closely with BCR’s three key partners - the Council, Yorkshire Forward and the Homes & Communities Agency to ensure that the priority projects for the regeneration of the city centre continue to progress.
During my time in Bradford, BCR has successfully put in place a clear strategy of attracting private sector investment and positioning the city, creating a comprehensive regeneration framework allowing the city’s regeneration to move into the next stage of delivery.
I now pass the reins to Barra Mac Ruairi, Strategic Director of Regeneration and Mike Cowlam, Assistant Director of Regeneration, at the Council and the new team within his department. We have been working closely to ensure a smooth and successful handover.
The Council will build on the success of BCR in engaging the private sector in a clear vision for the regeneration of the city, in building strong public / private partnerships, in attracting developer interest, in promoting design quality, and in positioning the city centre regionally, nationally and internationally.
I have very much enjoyed my time as Chief Executive, working with the three main partners as well as with the many private sector investors and stakeholders and everyone else involved in helping to regenerate the city.
I particularly wish Barra and his team in the Council well in delivering the future regeneration of the city.
Maud Marshall