Bradford Council has appointed Jason Longhurst as its new Strategic Director of Place.

Mr Longhurst has held senior leadership positions in a number of local authorities and public agencies, including regional development agency, county and unitary bodies.

More recently he has been working for Bradford Council on an interim basis, aiding the authority’s response and recovery from the pandemic.

The role of the Strategic Director of Place is to "lead the implementation of the Council’s economic strategy, including the continued regeneration of our city and town centres across the district and the promotion of Bradford to investors, businesses and skilled workers."

It also includes overseeing planning, housing, neighbourhood services, transport infrastructure and culture including Bradford's City of Culture 2025 bid.

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Announcing the appointment, Bradford Council said: "Jason is passionate about delivering sustainable development and growth and has a national reputation as leader on this agenda.

"He is also Chair UK Business Council for Sustainable Development and has key sector experience in green investment and economy and the energy industry. He is also a recognised figure in Clean Growth, supporting SME innovation companies, shaping Net-Zero agenda and Green Economy in the UK.

"Previous roles include delivering national growth programmes unlocking the Humber Energy Bank (offshore energy) and Oxford to Cambridge (OxCamb) Growth Corridor and now supporting the ambitions and opportunities for the City of Bradford Metropolitan District as we look forward."

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “We are delighted to have appointed Jason Longhurst for this pivotal role.”

“He has successfully guided the department through an incredibly challenging period and joins the council at an exciting time which presents huge challenges and opportunities for our district.

“Bradford is a great place to work and we’re looking forward to working with him to deliver some very ambitious plans in the coming years.”

Mr Longhurst, said: “it is a privilege to be offered the opportunity to support the council in such a critical role, one that supports our community and partners in our recovery from the impacts of the pandemic.”

“I am keen to ensure we can maximise the potential of the whole district, supporting a sustainable recovery and delivery on opportunities for all. ”