Walsall Regeneration Co chief quits over pressure of work

News
WRC chief quits over pressure of work
The YamYam 15 Oct 09
Ben Reid, chairman of the Walsall Regeneration Company for 8 years, has resigned citing “work pressures” as the reason for stepping down.

Formed in 2001, WRC has focused on attracting private and public sector investment for a near £1 billion programme of major transformational projects in Walsall. Projects overseen by WRC include the building of a new Asda Superstore as part of the St Matthews Quarter project, the £65 million Walsall College building, the £172 million redevelopment of Walsall Manor Hospital and the delay-hit and over budget ring road. Future projects include the multi-million pound Waterfront development and the £400 million Walsall Gigaport, a business corridor based around the newly completed ring road.

Mr Reid, who is also chief executive at The Midcounties Co-operative and chairman of Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust, stated that he had come to his decision reluctantly.

“The time is right for me to step down” he said. “I`m sad to be going but 8 years is a good stint. I remain passionate and committed to Walsall and I will continue to do all I can for the town. Thanks in no small part to the work of WRC, its board and our dynamic executive team, and also our partners, the Walsall of today is a much changed and more confident place than when I first took up the challenge.

I`d like to thank the board for their support and, in particular, chief executive Dr Peter Cromar who is the real driving force.”

Controversy has surrounded some of the flag ship projects commissioned by WRC in recent years, most notably the £5 million overspend on the ring road and the unexplained fire that gutted Shannons Mill that was central to the St Matthews Quarter plans. The Waterfront project has been scaled down and the Gigaport scheme has, so far, attracted little interest.

Cabinet members of Walsall Council will discuss the Gigaport scheme as an agenda item under the boroughs forward plan when they meet next week...

B'ham Post 2 Jul Walsall seeks dynamic duo to accelerate regeneration
B'ham Post 2 Jul Walsall's Waterfront scheme scaled down
Express & Star 2 Jul Waterfront scheme start nears
Advertiser 30 Apr New broadband key to a 'high-speed' UK
B'ham Post 29 Apr West Mids must act fast for City’s ‘back office’ role
B'ham Post 23 Apr Investment in faster broadband vital for region's prosperity
Broadband Expert 23 Apr For city to prosper investment in faster broadband is essential
Advertiser 25 Mar Gigaport under the spotlight
Walsall Regeneration Company Gigaport
Walsall Regeneration Company Home