The Isle of Wight Council’s brand new regeneration team is now in post and they have already set about meeting the council’s aspiration to bring economic prosperity to the Island, by attending their first event; SiteMatch 2017 at The Shard in London last Wednesday (8th February).
SiteMatch is a property event which helps to create working relationships between public sector landowners and private sector developers and investors, where discussions about possible future regeneration and development projects take place.
Chris Ashman is the new director of regeneration and attended the event with colleagues. Chris said:
“SiteMatch is a bit like ‘speed-dating’ for regeneration. It was a chance for us to put the Isle of Wight ambitions on the map and to get people talking about some of the great opportunities that have already been identified. While we’re still at the very early stages of devising our regeneration plans, it’s important that we start to build contacts, leads and prospects that could help us in the future.
“Those attending were really receptive to a series of initial projects that we’ll be looking at in the coming weeks and months. It was good to gauge what’s happening within the markets and what potential developers are looking for at the moment. I am very excited to get things moving because we have a real chance to create something great on the Island; something that will enable a prosperous and economically stable future for the Isle of Wight.”
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Executive member for regeneration, said:
“The opportunities for regeneration on the Isle of Wight are really exciting. The SiteMatch event was a chance for the team to start sharing our story with those who could support our plans in the future. It’s also been heartening that local, Island businesses have already come forward and are showing interest in the future of these key sites.
“I look forward to working with the team as they shape their plans to progress the council’s regeneration ambitions, which will secure future economic sustainability for the Island.”
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