Bibby and Wade-Smith join Liverpool’s Mayoral board

LIVERPOOL Mayor Joe Anderson has recruited Sir Michael Bibby and David Wade-Smith to become directors of the city’s new Mayoral Development Corporation.

The Corporation will be responsible for overseeing investment in Liverpool’s two Enterprise Zones at Liverpool Waters and the City Fringe, as well as the five Mayoral Development Zones earmarked as part of the £130m City Deal funding package. These include North Liverpool, Knowledge Quarter, Stonebridge Cross, Eastern Approaches and Speke Garston.

The board will also advise on strategic direction for the economy, and help in the delivery of initiatives to deliver new schools and housing to the city.

Sir Michael and Mr Wade-Smith are joined on the board by Liverpool City Region LEP chairman Robert Hough, BT Openreach chief executive Liv Garfield, University of Liverpool Vice-Chancellor Sir Howard Newby and the chief executive of the not-for-profit Blackburne House women’s education organisation, Claire Dove MBE.

The long term aim for the corporation is to operate a “Bank of Liverpool” fund containing public and private sector cash to fund infrastructure investments.

This investment pot would include business rates uplifts gained in the Enterprise Zones and the proceeds from the disposal of Homes and Communities Agency-owned assets matched by private sector cash.

Anderson said: “This is a pivotal moment for Liverpool as it is the first time we have ever had the ability to shape our own destiny in this way.

“I am delighted that we have been able to secure the services of extremely talented individuals who have a wealth of experience at the highest level in the public, private and voluntary sectors and at a local, regional and national level.

“They will play a key role in helping guide and drive forward the ambitious pledges I have made around building new schools and houses, creating jobs, attracting investment and making the city cleaner and greener.”