Take back control (of regeneration)

1.15pm

Room: Main room balcony

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Control of development presents an opportunity for local authorities to shape economic, social and environmental outcomes and to demand more from developers. Some areas are also bucking the trend in regeneration approaches, taking a more interventionist approach that is rooted in community wealth building principles, particularly where the council has an ownership stake in the land and takes an active role in development. This breakout will look at the opportunities for more progressive approaches to development, regeneration and the use of land in our local places.

Panel

Sean Benstead (chair) is a Senior Researcher at CLES. After completing a Masters degree in political theory at the University of Sheffield, Sean joined CLES in November 2021 and brings knowledge of political theory, strategy and communication, alongside skills in qualitative research, data analysis and geographic information systems. Sean is particularly interested in issues of land use and ownership and has recently worked on projects seeking to investigate land use and governance within the water sector, co-authored a report that sketches out a plan for expanding employee ownership in Wales and authored a paper investigating the freeport agenda.

Adam Leaver is Professor in Accounting & Society and Director of the Centre for Research on Accounting and Finance in Context (CRAFIC). Prior to that he was Professor in Financialization and Management at the University of Manchester. Adam’s primary research interest is in the financialization of the firm. Adam currently holds an ESRC open call grant to investigate Manchester as a “centripetal city” and a Luminate grant to examine audit failure and audit reform. He was also ISRF Political Economy Research Fellow 2017-18.

Frances Jones is Head of Strategy and Operations for Stockport’s Mayoral Development Corporation’s £500m Town Centre West regeneration strategy. Prior to her current role, Frances was an Associate Director for CLES for four years. Frances’ senior leadership experience spans economic development, policy, partnerships, regeneration and equality, diversity and inclusion and she has previously held senior management roles at Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Tower Hamlets Council.

Charlie Winstanley is the Political Advisor to Salford Mayor and Greater Manchester Deputy Mayor Paul Dennett. In his seven and a half years at Salford, he has been intimately involved in the strategic development of Salford’s regeneration framework “The Salford Way”, articulating Salford Council’s approach to development and economic growth through “The Salford Model” and championing inclusive growth and community wealth building.

Rhian Stratton is Regeneration Project Director at Great Places Housing Group. Previously, she was responsible for the delivery of a £50m regeneration project for Irwell Valley Homes in Trafford, Greater Manchester. Working closely with partners, stakeholders and customers and the residents of the Sale West community, a significant investment was committed to deliver over 200 new homes over five years.