Bradford’s new Business Improvement District has appointed its first manager.

Jonny Noble, who has been the city centre manager in Bradford since 2013, said he was “proud and thrilled” to be taking on the role in his home city.

“I am passionate about Bradford and its people,” said Mr Noble (pictured). “It’s a fantastic city with lots of potential and I am incredibly proud and absolutely thrilled to be given this opportunity to help shape its future.

“There are a lot of great things starting to come together in Bradford and the BID is the latest organisation to join the team that’s working together to take the city forward.

“I love Bradford – I’ve lived and worked here all my life – and I’m totally committed to helping it to move to the next level.”

The BID manager post is the key role in delivering the BID’s five-year business plan for improving the city centre. Mr Noble, aged 45, will be directly responsible to the recently-appointed operating board for the day-to-day running of all the projects and schemes outlined in the business plan, managing an annual budget of more than £500,000.

Ian Ward, chairman of the BID, said: “We’re delighted to be able to appoint Jonny after a hard-fought selection process. He faced some stiff competition but his fantastic knowledge of the city, his extensive experience in managing the city centre as well as leading and delivering other successful projects around the district, combined with his immense passion for Bradford, made him an exceptional candidate.”

He said the BID manager post was crucial to its success: “Jonny will be the day-to-day face and voice of the BID, engaging with key stakeholders, lobbying on behalf of levy-payers and setting and delivering the highest standards on behalf of not just businesses but the city centre and all who use it.

“He knows and understands the city and its businesses and key stakeholders and we are confident that he will play a big part in helping the BID – and the city centre – to fulfil its potential.”

Mr Noble was educated at St Bede’s Catholic Grammar School, in Bradford, and is a lifelong Bradford City fan. He joined Bradford Council from college and aside from a period of time in the private sector, worked in Leisure Services, eventually managing a number of sports and leisure sites. He then became one of the district’s emergency planning officers, co-ordinating the Council’s response to emergencies and incidents, before moving to the city centre management role.

In 2016, Mr Noble received a special recognition award from Future High Streets Forum, as part of the Great British High Street Awards, for his work helping the regeneration of North Parade. The Government’s then Minister for High Streets, Marcus Jones, said he was a “fantastic example of the people that give their all to make our communities better places to live, work and socialise."

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “We would like to congratulate Jonny on his appointment and wish him every success in his new job.

“He has been a fantastic city centre manager and we’re delighted that he will still be working to improve the city centre and that the BID has such a talented and committed Bradfordian in this key role.”

“Jonny will be a hard act to follow but we are looking forward to recruiting a new city centre lead to continue the good work already underway.”