RSSInvesting in Salford
Published: 2009-09-24 16:37:55
The Lowry Hotel provided the backdrop for the third of Central Salford URC’s well-attended 'Investing in Regeneration' events on 23 September.
Over 200 property professionals from the public and private sector attended the event, designed to showcase the regeneration work being carried out in the city - as well as to launch the third issue of Central Salford’s urban regeneration magazine.
A panel chaired by Central Salford Chairman Felicity Goodey discussed the theme of 'sustainable cities' and concluded that local knowledge was key to ensuring Salford fulfils its potential alongside education, skills and selling the vision for Salford which were also seen as essential ingredients of any successful future. (Click here for picture gallery.)
Opening the panel up to questions Alan Burke, Ask Developments asked: "For the development community, continuity is key and while the plans we’ve heard for Salford are impressive, with some URCs around the country winding up, the threat of a potential change in government and cuts in public sector funding, is there concern that Central Salford might not be here for the long term to steer these plans through?"
Barbara Spicer, Chief Executive of Salford City Council, which is one of the three URC shareholders said: "The success of the URC is part of the toolkit for Salford and I envisage a long-term and fruitful relationship. In terms of a change in government, I don’t see Central Salford being affected. Where the machinery exists at a local level to deliver well, they will leave it to get on with delivery."
Matt Crompton, Joint Managing Director, Muse and Board Director, English Cities Fund said: "Central Salford has the comfort of being successful. The region needs people who understand regeneration and who aren’t faceless."
Ken Bishop, Director, DTZ concluded: "I don’t think the future of Salford has looked as good as it does right now."
The panel was chaired by Felicity Goodey, Chairman of Central Salford and was made up of Barbara Spicer Chief Executive of Salford City Council; Ken Bishop Director of DTZ; Martin Hall, Vice Chancellor of the University of Salford; Matt Crompton, Joint Managing Director of Muse and Board Director of English Cities Fund; and Peter Salmon the Director of BBC North.
For more information on the work being carried out by Central Salford URC click here.
