Bob's your uncle
Forum members heard how Sheffield got itself back its feet through its leader of the last ten years, Sir Bob Kerslake.
Members came away thinking, if ever Bradford needs a case study on how to achieve its potential, it could do worse than look to south Yorkshire for tips. Public sector bodies and their representatives often get short shrift from hard-nosed business folk such as the BPF members, but not on this occasion. Those unfamiliar with Sir Bob's work, reputation or profile prior to last night (which will admittedly be few) came away with a clear understanding of why he is now so well-known up and down the country.
While Sir Bob's view is that the city's
transformation is not yet complete and there is still much to do, Sheffield,
by common consent, has been able to re-invigorate its retail centre - hit
hard with the advent of Meadowhall - and provide some beautiful new public
realm to instill confidence and pride. Sir Bob's presentation included
images of the squares, piazzas and new Winter Gardens the city has to offer
its people and visitors.
The event - sponsored and hosted by proerty developer Urban Splash - was held in Lister's Mill, with attendees afforded the luxury of a positive 'double-whammy', with Simon Gawthorpe on hand to outline what his company is doing across Yorkshire. With Urban Splash's involvement in Sheffield's Park Hill residential conversion, as well, of course, as in Lister's Mill itself, the two speakers were well-appointed to tackle the thorny issue of regenerating crest-fallen northern cities.
Admitting that taking risks in the public sector was one factor that goes down well with the private sector - the support of which is much-needed if extra investment is to be brought in - Sir Bob stressed that the perception of a 'can-do approach' was important in his early years in turning things around.
Soon to move on to head up the new Homes & Communities Agency, is sure to attract more column inches in print and more invitations to speak to business and government alike.
Download his presentation here.