Progress on the first Mayoral Development Zone (MDZ) in the country’s fastest-growing regional economy is stepping up, with the appointment of Sir Iain Gray as independent Chair to provide strategic leadership for one of the UK’s biggest regeneration opportunities: Brabazon& the West Innovation Arc. The Housing Secretary, Mayor of the West of England, and local political and business leaders have all welcomed the news.
The MDZ in South Gloucestershire and north Bristol has the potential to deliver up to 40,000 new homes and 40,000 new jobs over the coming decades – contributing up to £20 billion to the national economy. Designation as a Mayoral Development Zone enables thegrowing power of devolution to accelerate regeneration.
Sir Iain Gray brings extensive experience from senior leadership roles at Airbus and BAE Systems, complemented by several non-executive positions across the region. With a deep understanding of the area’s strengths and opportunities, and a strong network ofregional and national connections, he is well placed to lead the next phase of the MDZ’s development. As Chair, Sir Iain will provide strategic oversight, working closely with partners to turn ambition into delivery and drive progress on a programme that willhelp shape the future of the West of England for generations.
The WestInnovation Arc growth zone is the fastest-growing part of the country’s fastest-growing regional economy. Home to a highly skilled workforce, globally recognised advanced manufacturers such as Airbus and RollsRoyce, and cutting-edge research and development facilities, it’s well placed to unlock billions of pounds of further investment.
Representing £2 billion of investment, Brabazon is converting brownfield land into a brand-new community with work underway towards 6,500 new homes, a 15-acre park, the20,000 capacity Aviva Arena, three schools, and sustainable transport links including thefirst of two new railway stations, which is set to open later this autumn.
Brabazon & the West Innovation Arc is currentlyshortlisted by government to be part of the next generation of new towns.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:
“I’m delighted Sir Iain will be bringing his tremendous experience to bear at an exciting time for our region and our first Mayoral Development Zone. Brabazon & the West Innovation Arc has enormous potential, something that’s already recognised by government,and we need to continue to work together to champion its future development – including the transport links needed to support new homes and new jobs.”
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner, said:
“I welcome Sir Iain Gray’s appointment as Chair of the country’s first Mayoral Development Zone. His expertise will help drive forward the regeneration of Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc and I look forward to working with Sir Iain and the Mayor to makethis happen – unlocking thousands of new homes, jobs, and investment for the West of England.”
Sir Iain Gray, Chair of the Mayoral Development Zone, said:
“Since starting my career as an engineer at BAE Systems in Filton, I have spent much of my professional life at the heart of what is now the Mayoral Development Zone.
“Those roles have given me a deep understanding of the immense potential across Brabazon & the West Innovation Arc, as well as the transport, housing and infrastructure needed to fully unlock that.
“I’m so excited to take on this role. The Mayoral Development Zone represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver sustainable growth, creating new homes, jobs and opportunities while demonstrating the power of collaboration between industry, academiaand government.”
Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, and Councillor Ian Boulton, Co-Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Sir Iain as the first Chair of the region’s first Mayoral Development Zone.
“Sir Iain has been a highly respected leader in our area for many years. Many people across the West of England have worked with him and seen first-hand the leadership, experience and integrity he brings. His deep understanding of our region, together withthe strong relationships he has built across industry, government and academia, make him exceptionally well placed to help lead this exciting next phase of growth.
“The West Innovation Arc is one of the fastest-growing local economies in the country. We look forward to working with Sir Iain as businesses, universities, local councils and communities come together to realise the full potential of the Mayoral DevelopmentZone and deliver lasting benefits for residents and the wider region.”
Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council and Deputy Mayor of the West of England, said:
“With thousands of new homes, a growing population, brand new travel connections and a world-class music and entertainment arena under construction, Brabazon is building a radically new and sustainable community.
“Alongside the growth of jobs and industry in the Western Innovation Arc, the Mayoral Development Zone will be a key driver in the continued success and growth of our region. I’m pleased that Sir Iain will be helping to steer delivery of this enormous potentialin his new role.”
Claire Hazelgrove, MP for the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency, said:
“I welcome the appointment of Sir Iain as Chair of the Mayoral Development Zone. With a vast longstanding contribution to our community, in aerospace and beyond, I know that Sir Ian truly loves our community and wants the very best for it. I can think ofno better person to be helping shape this next chapter for us.
“As our community grows, it’s vital that we see the infrastructure and green spaces we need to thrive, alongside the homes we need so that future generations can put down roots of their own here, too.
“The Mayoral Development Zone, under Sir Iain’s Chairship, will work to help secure this and support our shared mission to not only make ours an even better place to live, but one of the most exciting places to live.”
Colin Skellett, Group Chief Executive of YTL UK, said:
“The progress made with Brabazon has already demonstrated what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together with a shared long-term vision.
“Creation of the Mayoral Development Zone will help to build on this success, unlocking further investment and providing the environment for sustainable growth that benefits the West of England and the wider UK economy. I can think of no one better thanSir Iain to lead the MDZ and I look forward to working with him on delivering our ambitious vision for the future.”
Robert Nettleton, Chief Executive Officer Bromford Flagship LiveWest (BFL) said:
“Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc demonstrate what’s possible when ambition is matched with the long-term partnerships needed to support delivery of the government’s homes target and enable sustainable growth.
“Sir Iain will play a crucial role in coordinating the Mayoral Development Zone, and we look forward to working with him as he brings together partners to support delivery of affordable homes in the right places, with the right connections, enabling peopleto thrive.”
