Regeneration chief leaves authority after six years

DARREN JONES . . . leaving Oldham Council after six years in the redevelopment team

OLDHAM Council's director of economic development is leaving after six years at the local authority.

Darren Jones (50) joined the local authority in a strategic role to help develop and deliver its ambitious regeneration programme in 2010.

He is to take up a new post as the managing director of Manchester-based HIMOR Group ­- a private land, property and development company ­- in September.

Mr Jones has worked on a range of important projects during in his time at Oldham. These include the conversion of the grade II-listed Old Town Hall into an Odeon cinema and restaurants, the Prince's Gate at Oldham Mumps scheme, which includes M&S as its anchor tenant, plus a new Independent Quarter and an Arts and Heritage Centre.

Based in Hale, Cheshire, Mr Jones has also overseen several joint ventures with the private sector, the schools capital programme, residential developments plus the asset and facility management functions.

He said: "During my time at Oldham I've been fortunate to be able to work with three excellent council leaders, two superb chief executives and the most loyal, hardworking and dedicated team of officers you could wish for.

"Those staff are working tirelessly to transform Oldham into a better place for residents, investors and visitors. I have absolutely no doubts that great work will continue as Oldham is a vital player in the future growth and direction of Greater Manchester.

"I will miss all my colleagues."

Oldham Council leader Cllr Jean Stretton said: "We are very grateful for Darren's contribution to the regeneration programme that is already transforming Oldham's prospects and aspirations as a place."

"We thank him and wish him well in his new role. I also look forward to showing him the great progress on the vision we share for this borough in the years ahead."

The HIMOR Group is owned by Will and Bill Ainscough.

Will Ainscough is set to move from his current post as managing director to become executive chairman of the firm when Mr Jones is in post.

He said: "We are delighted that Darren, who brings with him 29 years' of private and public sector experience in regeneration, development and management, has agreed to join us.

"He will help us focus on complex brownfield projects and sustainable urban extensions where we work in partnership with landowners, local planning authorities and community groups; such as our partnership with Trafford Council, where we are working to regenerate the 1,600-acre former Shell estate in Carrington."

Before joining Oldham Council, Mr Jones was director of development at the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership. He had also run his own development company, Reflect Developments, for five years and spent 18 years at Orbit Developments.