Regeneration in the city has been given a boost, with the announcement that the chief executive of Leicester Regeneration Company is to chair a prestigious national regeneration group.

 

John Nicholls has been appointed chair of the Urban Regeneration Companies Chief Executives committee, which comprises the heads of all 21 of the companies throughout the country that operate like LRC.

 

John will chair the group’s national meetings, be its spokesman and work with the Government on behalf of the group.

 

The chief executives meet alongside representatives from the Department of Local Government and Communities as well as the Government’s regeneration body, English Partnerships, to discuss and advise on best practice, Government policy and joint working between organisations.  

 

His first task as chair was to write to the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, to put the group’s view on business rates on empty properties.

 

John Nicholls said: “I’m pleased to represent my colleagues in this position. It’s important the Urban Regeneration Companies work together to share best practice and to help to influence Government policy on regeneration. Leicester, and the other cities represented, would not be able to be so influential on our own. I think this reflects well on what’s happening in our city.”