British Urban Regeneration Association - Appointment - UK

Date: 29 Feb 2008

Michael Ward, the current Chief Executive of the Kent Thameside Delivery Board has been appointed the new Chief Executive of the British Urban Regeneration Association.

This appointment puts Michael Ward at the helm of the UK's leading regeneration body.

BURA is a membership organisation representing the private, public and community sector which identifies and promotes best practice in regeneration and advocates an integrated approach to the social, economic and environmental issues involved.

Jackie Sadek, Chair at the British Urban Regeneration Association commented:
"I am pleased we have made such a strong appointment. Michael has the track record, the experience and the passion to help deliver our vision for high quality regeneration."

Michael Ward said: "I have enjoyed my time at Kent Thameside and learned a great deal. It has been a privilege to work on what is one of Britain's largest urban regeneration programmes, and to work with such a dedicated and enthusiastic staff team."

Stephen Jordan, Deputy Chairman of Kent Thameside Delivery Board, comments "Michael has been an excellent chief executive for Kent Thameside. He has helped steer through our innovative 'Homes and Roads' package that is unlocking the incredible potential of this area. We are sorry to lose him but he has completed an important phase of work for us and leaves us with depth in the team."

Michael Ward has more than thirty years experience in regeneration and economic development. From 2000 to 2004, he set up and ran London's Regional Development Agency, the London Development Agency. Before that, he led the Manchester-based Centre for Local Economic Strategies, a national network of regeneration organisations.

At Kent Thameside, Michael Ward worked with national and local, public and private partner agencies to resolve significant transport and infrastructure issues which had threatened to frustrate to building of 25000 new homes. The largest development affected, the 6500 home Land Securities site at Eastern Quarry, has now received its planning permission, and the final details are being put in place for a strategic transport infrastructure tariff to enable the whole programme to proceed.

Michael Ward