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CHAIRMAN BEN REID LEAVES ON HIGH AS INDEPENDENT REVIEW PRAISES WRC - 14 October 2009
One of Europe’s leading experts in the rebuilding of towns and cities has praised Walsall Regeneration Company (WRC) for its role in driving Walsall’s renaissance.
In an independent review Prof Michael Parkinson said WRC was one of the best performing urban regeneration companies in the country.
His 56-page report was unveiled to a gathering of 70 VIPs last night (Tues) at which it was also revealed that WRC’s future has been assured to 2011 and its chairman Ben Reid is to stand down after eight years at the helm.
Prof Parkinson CBE, Director of the European Institute for Urban Affairs, said since it was formed in 2004 WRC has aided decision-making, attracted investment, raised the profile and aspirations of Walsall, helped deliver key projects and encouraged people to work more closely together.
But while the town has a £65 million new Walsall College, a new ASDA and new ring road, and the £172 million redevelopment of Manor Hospital is almost complete, much remains to be done, such as the £100 million Waterfront project due to start in early 2010.
A partnership between the private and public sectors, WRC was set up by civic leaders in response to Walsall’s weak economy, low skill levels, declining manufacturing sector, failing town centre and general lack of self-belief.
In his report Prof Parkinson recommends WRC should continue to the end of 2011 and its founding partners Advantage West Midlands, the Homes & Communities Agency and Walsall Council have agreed.
Ben Reid, chief executive of The Midcounties Co-operative, said increasing work pressures had brought him, reluctantly, to his decision to retire as chairman.
He has led the WRC board from its inception in shadow form in 2001 to the present day.
He said: “Prof Parkinson’s report is a generous endorsement of the work of WRC and we are grateful to him for his expertise and independent view. However, the time is right for me to step down.
“I’m sad to be going but eight 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 a real driving force.
“I leave the way clear now for someone with vision and drive to pick up the new challenges and build on the good work that has been started.”
Peter Cromar said Ben had provided ‘great leadership and clear direction’ for WRC throughout his time as chairman, which is an unpaid post.
He said: “He has used his great depth of private sector experience and his standing as one of the region’s leading businessmen to influence others for the benefit of Walsall.
“His personal involvement has been a major factor in securing transformational projects such as the college, the hospital and Waterfront. He’s adopted a hands-on approach because Walsall and these projects are dear to his heart – and it is the people who live and work in Walsall who will ultimately benefit.”
Ends
Picture shows Professor Michael Parkinson (foreground) with, from left, Dr Peter Cromar, chief executive of WRC, Coun Mike Bird, leader of Walsall Council, and Ben Reid, chairman of WRC.