Veteran town planner to take on senior office leader role at Arup
A TOWN planner with more than 20 years’ experience in senior economic development and regeneration roles has taken on a senior position at Arup.
Tom Bridges has been appointed as the firm’s new Leeds office leader. Mr Bridges will carry out his new role alongside his current responsibilities to develop and lead the firm’s UK Cities Advisory services.
He is a chartered town planner with extensive experience in economic development, town planning, urban and regional policy, transport, regeneration and city operations.
An Arup spokesman said: “As the leader of a growing office of over 300 staff, Tom’s focus will be on strengthening existing and developing new collaborative relationships with clients.
“He will look to develop, design and deliver the projects which support the sustainable and inclusive economic growth of Leeds and the surrounding region.”
Mr Bridges said: “The Leeds City Region has a strong future with plans for rapid jobs and housing growth, and pioneering transport schemes such as HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail.
“We’re also seeing significant investment in sectors including culture, energy, education, healthcare, rail, residential, roads, public realm and green spaces, water infrastructure and digital infrastructure, while strengthening our resilience to the effects of climate change.”
Mr Bridges succeeds Arup director, Jim Johnson, who is moving on to lead the firm’s digital agenda in the UK, India, Middle East and Africa Region.
Mr Johnson will continue to operate from Arup’s Leeds office at Rose Wharf while carrying out this new role.