New East Manchester appoints new Chairman
Date: 08/02/2010
Source: Roz Hughes, NEM
Simon Bate, Director at Ask Developments, has been appointed chairman of urban regeneration company, New East Manchester (NEM) replacing Robert Hough who held the position for seven years.
Simon is a director and founder shareholder of Ask Developments, which was set up in January 2000, and in May 2003 merged with Westport Developments. Simon was until 1996 a partner in accountancy practice Levy Gee, running the urban regeneration department that provided consultancy support to the public and private sector.
In 1997, Simon together with two fellow shareholders, founded Westport Developments, a private limited company specialising in urban regeneration and renewal projects including bringing Malmaison hotels to Manchester, Newcastle and Leeds.
Simon also played a key role in the conception and delivery of schemes including Barca and Deansgate Locks. He has also led the acquisition of Dunlop GRG in 2000, which provided the property platform for Ask’s Central Spine and Exchange, Greengate projects.
Within east Manchester Simon has been instrumental in the development of Central Park and its innovative partnership at OCP with the education sector. More recently Simon has been one of the originators of The Sharp Project in Newton Heath.
Simon Bate, Director of Ask Developments and the new chairman of New East Manchester 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 are personally 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.”
Robert Hough, Chairman of the Northwest Regional Development Agency and departing Chairman of New East Manchester said: “The past seven years working with New East Manchester have, without doubt, been some of the most rewarding of my career to date. It's been a privilege to work in east Manchester and I have met some truly remarkable people whose passion and pride for their area is inspirational. 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. East Manchester will always remain close to my heart, and fortunately my new role with the NWDA will allow me to retain an interest in developments in this important part of the city."
Eddie Smith, Chief Executive of New East Manchester said: “I’m delighted that the NEM Board has selected Simon to be our new chairman. He 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.
“Over the past seven years Robert Hough has made an enormous contribution to the regeneration of east Manchester. He has shared our vision for the area, guided our thinking and generously offered his commercial experience which has proved invaluable. His commitment, enthusiasm and dedication has helped tremendously in driving our ambitious regeneration plans forward to ensure we leave a lasting legacy for east Manchester residents, who themselves have contributed so much. His new role as Chairman of the NWDA will allow Robert to have a close insight into the new and exciting developments that will support the growth of the east Manchester economy."