Man who helped regenerate city to step down
THE property and regeneration chief at Birmingham City Council, who led the dramatic transformation of the city’s skyline, is stepping down from the role.
Waheed Nazir (pictured), who has was pivotal in major schemes such as the Arena Central and Paradise redevelopments, will leave his post as director of inclusive growth later this year.
It is not yet known what next move will be.
Mr Nazir’s departure follows the recent announcement that council chief executive Dawn Baxendale will leave her role later this month for a new job in New Zealand.
Their looming
his
departures leave the council searching for two major leadership roles at a crucial time for Birmingham as it prepares to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the ongoing furore over HS2 and the plans to regenerate the former wholesale markets site.
Mr Nazir has spent 15 years performing various roles with Europe’s largest local authority including director of planning and regeneration and chief planning officer and he has held a portfolio responsible for highways, economic development and housing among others. During his tenure, he has helped to turn the city’s housing development company Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust into the largest public sector house builder in the country.
He said: “It was a dream come true, as a local boy from the eastern part of Birmingham, to have an opportunity to shape the city I was born in and set its direction for future generations.
“I love Birmingham City Council and the city and will continue to do whatever I can to support the leader to ensure its continued growth. It has been an immense honour to fly the flag for Birmingham in the UK and around the world.
“I have been fortunate to have worked alongside some amazing partners, especially the private sector business and development community who have always shown a willingness to collaborate with the city council and support the people of Birmingham.
“I leave behind a strong management team who are an amazing group of senior leaders....I have every confidence that they will continue to deliver great things for the city. I am now looking forward to exploring the next chapter in my career.”