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