Latest News - Press Release
WALSALL’S REGENERATION FAME SPREADS TO EASTERN EUROPE - 09 October '07
Walsall’s impressive renaissance is making its mark on the international stage with Eastern Europe looking to learn from its regeneration success.
Dr Peter Cromar, chief executive of Walsall Regeneration Company (WRC), has been invited to Lithuania to explain how it has brought public and private sector partners together to deliver multi-million pound schemes to transform the Black Country town.
He is among a group of international experts who will address a conference in Klaipedia, Lithuania’s third largest city, which is building on the economic growth sparked by the country joining the European Union.
Dr Cromar will speak on the opening day of the conference on October 18 on the importance of building partnerships in regeneration projects to deliver excellence together.
He was invited by the region’s municipal authorities after they were impressed by a presentation he gave at MIPIM, the major property show which is held annually in Cannes, France.
Dr Cromar said: “This shows how far Walsall has progressed in a relatively short time and the international interest in what we have achieved. WRC has provided the leadership and drive to create effective partnerships for truly transformational schemes to become a reality.
“We have brought together key public and private sector organisations to get things done, to provide opportunities for investment and regenerate Walsall as a Town for Enterprise.
“My message to the conference will be to focus on investment not funding and I will stress the importance of delivering, not just talking about schemes. The regeneration world is about delivering excellence and WRC is showing it is a leading player performing at the solutions end of the regeneration marketplace.”
Since the WRC was formed in 2004 it has worked with partners to get major schemes underway which have included the £100 million Business and Learning Campus, the transformation of Walsall Waterfront with exciting canalside homes, commercial and leisure space, plus retail development in the St Matthew’s Quarter anchored by a new ASDA store.
By 2010 some £500 million of mostly private money will have been invested in the town centre, making it once again the powerhouse of the borough.
The conference Dr Cromar is attending is part of the three day international exhibition ‘In West 2007’ which will promote the business, investment and development potential of Klaipeda city and the coastal region of Lithuania.
The conference will look at the role of the private sector in maximising the value of public property and how public-private partnerships could work in Lithuania.
Ends
For further information please contact Lorna Bishop or Nigel Pipkin at Seal Communications
on 0121 200 0780 or email lornabishop@sealcommunications.co.uk