Seeking the upcoming CEO for Stevenage
In the heart of Hertfordshire, Stevenage town centre has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Gone are the quiet streets after five o'clock, replaced by a bustling hub of activity, a stark contrast to a decade ago [1].
The local authority, Stevenage Borough Council, is gearing up for more changes, with the appointment of a new chief executive on the horizon. This individual is expected to adopt a dynamic approach, capitalising on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the small borough council [2].
Among the upcoming projects are a state-of-the-art leisure centre, a public sector hub, and significant public realm improvements. The council's ambition is clear: to ensure local people reap the benefits of these investments and the resulting job creation [2].
Stevenage Borough Council is not just focusing on physical infrastructure. The local authority is working closely with major businesses, the local enterprise partnership, and education and training providers to develop skills for work [3]. This proactive approach aims to make the town a better place for its people and continue the positive impact on the wider economy [3].
The council is also committed to supporting people in more deprived areas. As a member of the Co-operative Councils' Innovation Network, it strives to engage and provide support where it is needed most [1].
Looking beyond the town's boundaries, Stevenage benefits from being part of broader UK industrial strategy efforts. These strategies emphasise place-based growth outside major metropolitan areas, positioning Stevenage alongside other towns targeted for investment in regional growth, transport, infrastructure, and industrial clusters [5].
Community-level economic support is also a priority. Various grants are available to voluntary and community groups in Stevenage, helping to fund social enterprises, local projects, and initiatives that contribute to the town's wellbeing and economic vitality [2].
In addition to economic development, the council has made significant strides in housing. Over 500 council homes have been built, and plans are in place to invest £250m in the existing housing stock over the next decade to improve standards [4]. The train station has been expanded, a new bus interchange built, an award-winning multistorey car park constructed, apartments brought into the town centre, and the town square transformed [4].
In summary, Stevenage's economic development strategy focuses on overcoming planning system delays, promoting local skills and partnerships, and participating in wider government strategies targeting regional growth and economic revitalization. Community grants further enable grassroots economic and social projects supporting this broader vision [1][2][3][5].
[1] Stevenage Works: A Model of Excellence in Local Government-Led Economic Development and Skills Partnerships. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.stevenage.gov.uk/business/stevenage-works/
[2] Community Grants. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.stevenage.gov.uk/community/grants-and-funding/
[3] Stevenage Borough Council's Leader Reflects on the Significant Redevelopment of Stevenage Town Centre and the Complex Planning Process Involved. (2021, March 2). Retrieved from https://www.stevenage.gov.uk/news/stevenage-borough-councils-leader-reflects-on-the-significant-redevelopment-of-stevenage-town-centre-and-the-complex-planning-process-involved/
[4] New Train Station, Bus Interchange, Car Park, Apartments, and Town Square. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.stevenage.gov.uk/business/regeneration/
[5] Stevenage's Role in the UK's Industrial Strategy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.stevenage.gov.uk/business/stevenage-works/industrial-strategy/
- The new chief executive of Stevenage Borough Council aims to innovate the local authority's approach, focusing on skills development for work and partnerships with businesses for job creation.
- The regeneration of the town includes building a state-of-the-art leisure center, a public sector hub, and significant improvements in the public realm, with the goal of benefiting local people.
- In addition to physical infrastructure, the council is committed to supporting community projects and social enterprises through available grants, promoting economic and social wellbeing.
- The housing sector has also seen improvements, with over 500 council homes built and plans for a £250m investment in the existing housing stock over the next decade for improved standards.
