07 July 2008

Sir Howard Bernstein Appointed Chair of ReBlackpool

Sir Howard Bernstein has been appointed as the new Chair of ReBlackpool, Blackpool’s Urban Regeneration Company, to help drive forward the delivery and implementation of the Blackpool regeneration Masterplan.

The appointment follows an extensive search by ReBlackpool to find the right high profile candidate to help transform Blackpool into a better place to live, work and play through physical, social and economic regeneration. With Sir Howard’s impressive track record in delivering large scale city regeneration schemes, the board has finalised his appointment as Chair and he will take up the post immediately. He replaces Sir Peter Hall who stepped down as Chair earlier this year. 

In his part-time position, Sir Howard will work with Government and key partners in Blackpool and across the Northwest to deliver a programme of comprehensive regeneration for the town.

Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government commented:

“I’m delighted that Sir Howard is to take Blackpool’s regeneration to the next stage. His track record of delivering real change in Manchester will be invaluable in building confidence in the future of this iconic seaside town.

“We in Government are determined to help Blackpool achieve its ambition as a vibrant and prosperous resort. That Sir Howard is to join this drive is great news for Blackpool, the North West and for the country as a whole.”

Bryan Gray, Chairman of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said:

“It is widely recognised that Blackpool faces unique social and economic challenges. Good progress has been made on the Blackpool Masterplan, however it is vital to have clear leadership in place to continue this momentum. I am delighted that Sir Howard has agreed to take up this important role. I have every confidence that his experience and commitment to achieving real change will be a driving force in advancing the transformation of Blackpool.”

Sir Howard Bernstein, newly appointed Chair of ReBlackpool said:

“Blackpool is a regional priority and it’s a privilege to be part of the team that will drive forward ambitious plans for this strategically important North West town. The regeneration programme is challenging by any standards but I’m happy to share my experiences gained through my work on equally ambitious projects in Manchester. A core objective is to maximise the area’s contribution to the regional economy and I want to make this vision a reality.

With regret I have resigned from the Board of the Olympic Delivery Authority to ensure I am not over committed and that my main focus of work can continue to be for the city of Manchester. I’m sure the project will go from strength to strength and I’m confident the Games will be a fantastic success for London and the whole of the UK.”

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council said:

“This appointment is not only recognition of Sir Howard’s expertise in urban renewal but also the City’s reputation for successfully undertaking ground-breaking regeneration projects.  I am pleased that through this appointment we, as a city, can share lessons learned with our neighbours and play a part in supporting the delivery of regional priorities.“

Councillor Peter Callow, Leader of Blackpool Council said:

“Sir Howard’s appointment is a huge boost for Blackpool and received the unanimous backing of the Board of Directors. He has been a major force in the creation of Manchester as a great European city and we are delighted to be able to tap into his drive and experience. His appointment will send a strong signal to stakeholders, investors and indeed the local people that Blackpool is on a journey of change and that we are picking up speed.”

Doug Garrett, Chief Executive of ReBlackpool, commented: “We are delighted by the appointment of Sir Howard. We are now moving from planning into the crucial phase of delivering and implementing Blackpool’s Masterplan and Sir Howard will play a key role in helping ReBlackpool achieve this. Sir Howard has a proven record in delivering major regeneration projects and his skills and experience will now be used to lead and push forward development in Blackpool.”

-ENDS-

Note to Editors

About ReBlackpool
ReBlackpool, Blackpool’s Urban Regeneration Company, is the body charged with delivering the master plan proposal’s that will transform the UK’s premier coastal resort over the next ten years.  The master plan has been developed to bring about radical economic and social regeneration; transforming Blackpool into a quality, world class visitor destination that is a great place to visit and a better place to live.

Working closely with the North West Regional Development Agency and Blackpool Council, ReBlackpool’s vision is to create a year-round economy that delivers a totality of experience focused around quality at all levels and at all scales in product, environment and service. The imperative is to deliver a range of world-class facilities that responds to the dynamics of the leisure market, while delivering unparalleled economic and social improvements to the residents of Blackpool.

The Masterplan aims to transform the town through an innovative programme of regeneration, designed to rebuild the seafront, provide new tram infrastructure, release key town centre and seafront sites for development. 

Issued on behalf of ReBlackpool by Weber Shandwick. For further information, please contact:

Tearmh France 

Weber Shandwick North
2 Jordan Street
Knott Mill
Manchester
M15 4PY
tfrance@webershandwick.com
Tel: 0161 238 9410
Fax: 0161 228 3076 

Hannah Roberts

Weber Shandwick
2 Jordan Street
Knott Mill
Manchester
M15 4PY
hroberts@webershandwick.com
Tel: 0161 238 9405
Fax: 0161 228 3076