‘Passionate leader’ needed to deliver plans for huge new town

They will be the ‘public face’ of the regeneration scheme planned for the area north of Bristol

The West of England mayor is calling on “passionate leaders” to put themselves forward for a new job helping deliver major regeneration plans to the north of Bristol.

The individual will chair a new ‘mayoral development zone’ – an area targeted for growth – stretching across South Gloucestershire and including Brabazon.

“You might have heard us talk about Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc,” metro mayor Helen Godwin said in a video on LinkedIn. “And you you might have heard us talk more recently about a mayoral development zone.

“This is a really important development for this huge regeneration project. We are now looking to put together a group of people who can really help and support us as we move forward into delivery. And the most important of all we are looking for a chair for the mayoral development zone.

“So we need someone who is really passionate about Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc, who understands the economy of the area and who wants to be a part of this great leap forward for this iconic space. Please apply.”

According to the West of England Combined Authority’s website, the chair of the MDZ will provide strategic leadership and set the long-term vision for the proposed new town, which will include thousands of new homes.

It is understood the chair will help guide the MDZ, working with partners to unlock investment and opportunities for the West of England.

“You will provide overall leadership and oversight to ensure that the MDZ’s ambitions are translated into action, working collaboratively with the two partner organisations and navigating their respective governance and decision-making processes to secure the necessary support, decisions and accountability,” a statement on Weca’s website states.

“You will ensure the MDZ operates with strong governance, clear oversight and effective partnership working, helping to align priorities and drive progress across a programme that will shape the future of the West of England for generations – in particular in South Gloucestershire and north Bristol.”

The job will involve being the “public face and senior ambassador” for the regeneration scheme which is expected to deliver a £20bn boost to the regional economy.

It will also mean working across local authority boundaries, and with central government, Weca, South Gloucestershire Council, Bristol City Council, Homes England, investors, developers and local communities.

“You will represent the New Town regionally and nationally, championing investment, innovation and sustainable growth while ensuring the ambitions of government are balanced with the priorities of local communities,” the advert on the Weca website adds.

“Most importantly, you will share our ambition for the West of England. You will bring the vision, leadership and integrity required to help deliver a nationally significant New Town that creates homes, opportunities and sustainable growth, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.”

The closing date for the role is Sunday, September 6, with panel interviews planned for Tuesday, September 15.

For more information or to apply, people are being advised to contact recruiters Andrew Timlin or Simon Winspear at Hays at Andrew.timlin@hays.com or simon.winspear@hays.com.