Boylan to chair Stockport MDC board
Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s chief executive will temporarily step in to lead the mayoral development corporation in the wake of the death of Lord Bob Kerslake earlier this month.
Eamonn Boylan will act as interim chair while Stockport MDC commences its search for a more permanent chair. Boylan is no stranger to Stockport, having acted as chief executive for the council for six years before taking up his post at GMCA.
Boylan has extensive expertise in regeneration, having started Stockport’s current regeneration programme when he was chief executive and, prior to that, leading national regeneration programmes as the deputy chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency.
Stockport MDC was created by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to help drive revitalisation efforts in the metropolitan borough.
As interim chair, Boylan will be driving the delivery of Stockport’s 130-acre Town Centre West masterplan – a vision that includes 4,000 homes, a new business district, a transport hub, public realm, and much more. English Cities Fund was announced as the delivery party for Stockport 8, one phase of Town Centre West, at UKREiiF this year.
Kerslake had been leading this project before his death at the start of this month from cancer. Upon the announcement of his passing, tributes poured in paying homage to Kerslake’s impactful public service career.
Boylan acknowledged his predecessor’s legacy in a statement about taking on the interim chair position.
“While it is under incredibly sad circumstances that I take up this role, I am honoured to advocate for the MDC and bring my experience to this role to ensure we continue to build on the fantastic foundation Lord Kerslake created for Stockport,” Boylan said.
“I look forward to working with our public and private sector partners to make Stockport one of the most sustainable, liveable and well-connected town centres in the country.”
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said Boylan would “serve as a vital bridge between the Stockport MDC and the GMCA”.
“Eamonn Boylan will act as a strong ambassador for Stockport MDC, bringing invaluable knowledge and a deep understanding of the town and its community from his previous experience in Stockport,” he added later.
Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “Under Eamonn, the MDC will honour the legacy of Lord Kerslake and continue to deliver against the ambitious vision to create a thriving Stockport, ensuring iconic projects such as Stockport Exchange, Interchange, and Weir Mill stay on track, enabling us to deliver a vital new transport hub, business district and new homes to the town.
“Beyond this, the coming months will be crucial to the shaping the next phase of development in Town Centre West, including the exciting masterplan for Stockport 8.”
