Simon Bate named New East Manchester chairman
ONE of the leading figures in North West regneration has been named chairman of the New East Manchester.
Simon Bate, one of the fouders of Manchester-based Ask Developments succeeds Robert Hough, who has left the role afetr seven years with the urban regeneration company following his appointment last year as chairman of the North West Development Agency.
Mr Bate, a former accountant with Levy Gee, launched Westport Developments in 1997, which later became Ask Developments, the name behind Deansgate Locks, Barca and most recently First Street.
In east Manchester Mr Bate, a keen cyclist, has been instrumental in the development of Central Park and most recently has been one of the originators of The Sharp Project in Newton Heath.
He said: “This is a particularly interesting time to take on this role with major announcements imminent and a host of ambitious regeneration plans underway.
“Being located in Ancoats, Ask is enjoying the regeneration benefits that NEM are delivering to the area. To be have greater involvement in one of the biggest regeneration projects in the country, and to be given the opportunity to make a significance contribution to shaping this part of the city is extremely exciting, and a real privilege.”
Out-going chairman Robert Hough said: “The past seven years working with New East Manchester have, without doubt, been some of the most rewarding of my career to date.
“Urban renewal is never easy but by working closely with the communities we have helped make a real difference to people’s lives which is incredibly satisfying.”
Eddie Smith, chief executive of New East Manchester said: “Simon brings a wealth of property development expertise, and a thorough understanding of the challenges a regeneration area has to overcome.
“Not only has Simon based his business in our area but we have been fortunate to work with him for a number of years on the development of Central Park which is a flagship project and an important economic generator for the area.”
